Pizmo 9
Pizmo 9
Pizmo 9
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May, 2016Views
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Awards
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the California Monarch butterfly grove in Pizmo Beach, CA. This is a small eucalyptus grove on the outskirts of town.Time
This is one of my all time favorite images. It was taken in early January around 10:00am.Lighting
The lighting on this image was tricky. The day had started out cloudy and then went to partial sunshine. Since all of the butterflies were high up in the eucalyptus trees, I had to shoot upward towards the light. I didn't want the butterflies to become silhouettes due to the lighting. I had to search for areas that allowed me to capture the splendor of the butterfly clusters with all the color and back lighting that was needed to produce this image.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon 7200, with a Tamron 150-600 on a monopod.Inspiration
I am always looking for new places and things to take photos of. A friend of mine had told me about their recent visit to the Butterfly Grove and that since I was going to be in the area that I should take the time to visit. Upon arriving I wasn't expecting there to be over 29,000 monarch butterflies. They were all in clusters and high up in the trees. I was looking for a cluster that was showing a some color without it being to much. This particular cluster was showing only a few butterflies starting to open up and show their color. It fit my need for blurring out the background, while keeping the focus on the cluster.Editing
I try and keep my post processing to the minimal. Since I shoot in RAW, I will always import my pictures into Lightroom. I will adjust the exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows to bring out the natural colors in the picture. I will look at the clarity and vibrance as this can sometimes enhance the photo. I will look at the luminosity, to see if there is any noise that needs to be removed. My last steps once all adjustments are made to the photo, I will sharpen the image.In my camera bag
My go to lens in my bag is my Tamron 16-300, I always take my Tamron 150-600 as you never know when something in the distance will catch your eye and you need to take a photo of it to bring it in closer. I always have my Tokina 11-16 f2.8 for my low light or landscape shots. I have a monopod and a Black rapid strap to round out my gear. I have other lenses that I use on occasion, I usually only back them depending on what I will be shooting that day.Feedback
In shooting monarch butterflies in a grove type setting, my best advice is to leave your camera in the car at the start and just walk around and take in the beauty of the butterflies. I try and get a feel for the lighting and look for the best areas to set up to capture the mood and the beauty of the Monarch's. I then go get my camera and start shooting. I found with that many butterflies it is hard not to get a good shot.
