SChhatrapati

Dragonfly

NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture 53/10 ISO 800 Shutter 1/200 Focal Length 2000/10

upload_date

Aug, 2016

Views

114

Likes

+28

Awards

Great Shot

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Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in my garden. Every time I go out in the garden I often come across this 'Dragonfly'. He was becoming more of a good friend than just a subject. I am a self-taught photographer and have much to learn.

Time

This photograph is one of my favorites. When I am at home,every afternoon to late evening I go out around my house, in the garden, front yard, backyard to find different subjects and also I come across many bugs, insects, ants, spiders and so on. But, this Dragonfly was quite different. He was always there every time and sometimes he brings some friends with him. And I felt more close to nature than ever. This photograph was taken on 10th August 2016 at 5:24PM IST(Indian standard time)

Lighting

The lighting was natural light. All I had was the sun which was also setting. As it was hard, I had to bump up the ISO and use a wider aperture.

Equipment

This was shot by a Nikon D7100 with a Nikkor 200mm micro f/4 handheld. The shutter speed of 1/200s made me able to shoot handheld.

Inspiration

I shoot almost all genres of photography. But I find something that intrigues me. To look at nature closely and sometimes it makes me feel sober. Nature has its own way of defining what we are and what we do, how we survive, and how it all ends. And its the tiny micro(macro) world that really is intriguing to me. Its not only about the inspiration to take this photograph but the real meaning lies in the happiness of the self when you get such a shot. And sometimes such happiness is the inspiration.

Editing

Micro(macro) photography needs the same amount of post-processing as any other photography. I had to adjust the colour so that it might not look dull. I increased the sharpness a little bit. But not much post-processing was needed for this photograph as everything was quite all right when I saw the preview of the RAW image.

In my camera bag

My Nikkor 35mm 1.8g and Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens are the first lenses I pack. Second I go for the camera with the memory cards inserted. Third my Nikkor 70-300(non vr). Then the extension tubes, reversal ring. A flash is always in my bag with triggers and receivers. A compartment is for ND filter. And recently I added a Nikkor micro 200mm f/4 that does not fit in my bag so I have to carry around with the case provided(not safe at all). And so I have to upgrade my bag.

Feedback

Shooting macros(micros) are painful, tiresome and equally satisfying. Have patience. Wait for the right time. Get to know the behavior of whatever you want to shoot. Its hard getting close to a macro subject so be cool and move slow. Be steady and firm when you shoot as a little vibration will spoil the image. And lastly, shoot, shoot, shoot....

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SChhatrapati

SChhatrapati

Dragonfly

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow SChhatrapati

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