2008-4-4 Water Blue D200 730 H5
Was featured in an Art Exhibit in 2014
Was featured in an Art Exhibit in 2014
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Jul, 2016Views
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KristinaOers
September 29, 2019
Magnificent!!! Thank you for joining my beautiful blue blooms challenge! Good luck! :-)
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC. This is a 300-acre site whose land was donated by Daniel Stowe. This image is a water lilly entitled "Water Blue". This image was featured in a juried selection of nature images in the Belk Corporate Gallery, shown in 2014. NOTE: Belk is a retail department store, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, near the Charlotte International AirportTime
This was taken at 12:35 PM on April 4th of 2008. The lilly was located inside an an orchid conservatory, along with approximately 200 other orchids and tropical plants. The conservatory is temperature controlled as many of the plants need tropical warmth; this conservatory simulates a greenhouse with some additional fans for circulating air. Additionally, there are quite a few sprinklers built into the conservatory to allow for frequent watering.Lighting
This image needed an ethereal look, as if the lilly were "on fire". The image was captured on 2008-04-04. the lens was a NIkon 70-300 VR taken at 190mm with a lens hood to limit any extraneous flare.Equipment
This image was captured with a Nikon D200, ISO 200, 1/250 at f4.8. For this particular image, no strobe was used. The camera was mounted on a BENRO tripod, with a 3-way Manfrotto tripod head.Inspiration
As I was photographing in the gardens, both inside and out, I began to ask myself if I had truly obtained 1 or 2 images that I really liked. I was not sure, but I always like to photograph in the Spring. I noticed one outdoor image that I felt good about, but was searching for something more. When I stepped inside the conservatory, I felt that this floral represented the contest-level image that I was seeking. Having shot approximately 250 shots that day, I was pretty pleased with the water lilly. Interestingly, I believe that this was inspiring, and, went back outside and captured about 150 more images, then another 50 or so inside the conservatory. Overall, it was a very good day, as I ended up with 5 images that I have used in other competitions and here on Viewbug.Editing
This image was cropped a bit and just a bit of underexposure was added to saturate the deep blue and the central "pistil/Stamen" effect. The water that surrounded the flower was a very deep blue-black and became extra dark once I underexposed about 1/3 to 1/2 stop, using Adobe Photoshop elements.In my camera bag
I have two travel kits most of the time. I have my old trusty Nikon D7000, Nikon 70-300 VR, Tamron 28-75 2.8, Sigma 10-20, Tokina 100mm macro and my Nikon 16-85 VR. My flash is a Nikon SB800. My second kit is an Olympus EM5 + Tamron 14-150. Today, I am considering changing to Fujifilm mirrorless, but I have not decided on that option, so far.Feedback
My advice to others - look for what you enjoy shooting and strive to be in the moment - regardless of whether you feel that you improved, continue to enjoy the experience. Don't get too hung-up on equipment, but, rather immerse yourself in the process and create a post-shoot evaluation. What did I like, what did I dislike, could I have done something differently or better to enjoy that day more. Also, reach out to other photographers in a club or outing, even if you don't know the other photographers - nearly all will offer tips or tricks. We learn from each other, and it's the experience of photography and that I enjoy so much. I do not have an artistic background. I am more of a "math" person, so, photography,for me is very relaxing, I must focus on the craft and my takes a break from the hustle/bustle of everyday life. Also, my wife often accompanies me and works as my "scout", partnering with me to see the best captures before I see the opportunities. Once one of us sees the opportunity, I try to capture that fleeting moment with my camera. I hope that you enjoy my images, this site and strive to be in the moment, so that you can enjoy capturing moments as much as I do.
