chwetzel

Palm Nest

Found this hiking through Big Bend National Park

Found this hiking through Big Bend National Park
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NIKON D200

settings

Aperture 18/10 ISO 200 Shutter 1/6000 Focal Length 350/10

upload_date

Aug, 2016

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Top Choice

+13

Superb Composition

+12

Absolute Masterpiece

Outstanding Creativity

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Behind The Lens

Location

My brother and I decided to go on a camping trip in Big Bend National Park over Easter weekend. West Texas is particularly beautiful to me this time of year – I love the contrast of the rocky canyon terrain and sharp edges of the desert plants combined with the soft pastel cacti blooms. Plus, spring is a time for new life. There are hundreds of species of birds building nests in the desert plants. This was snapped along one of the many trails we hiked that weekend.

Time

This was taken on our first day in Big Bend around noon. We had hiked for about an hour before coming across this little nest created in the center of the plant's palm leaves.

Lighting

The sun was high in the sky and the hard light played well with the palm leaves, highlighting the reflective green and creating depth beneath the straws of the nest.

Equipment

Camera: NIKON D200 Focal Length: 350/10 No tripod or other equipment was used.

Inspiration

Most people go to Big Bend to take photos of the vast landscape and giant sky. I find the little details much more interesting. A majority of the plants in west Texas have thick stems to store water and prickly leaves that serve as its protection. I loved that the nest was taking advantage of the plant's protective armor. I imagine the owner of the nest safely settled in the center while its predictors are warded off by the pricks of the sharp palm leaves.

Editing

There wasn't too much post-processing done on this photo. I increased the saturation and contrast to enhance the green and depth.

In my camera bag

The equipment I carry depends on where I'm going and what the purpose of the trip is. On this trip, we were hiking and camping for 4 days, so I traveled very light (possibly too light). I had my camera and one lens strapped around my neck. It worked out great this time, but I usually like to have a back up in case of emergency.

Feedback

The quick answer is go on a hike in a desert landscape in the spring around noon, get close to your subject, and set a large aperture. I think the better answer is to go on an adventure and pay attention to the little things. When you're in a beautiful setting, it's easy to look at the horizon and admire the vista (which you should definitely do), but also take the time to look at the things near you. Nature is so full of interesting textures and beautiful contradictions. Don't pass them by!

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chwetzel

chwetzel

Palm Nest

Found this hiking through Big Bend National Park

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow chwetzel

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