Butterfly on Flowers
Oct, 2016Views
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Superb Composition
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Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken at Eufaula NWR which is only 35 miles from home and my main go to place.Time
Mid day my preferred time of day.Lighting
I take most of my photos mid day which goes against what most photographers say is the best time but I personally prefer mid day because the sun has a way of bringing out the colors of natures creatures. I know the contrast can be pretty intense but even that to me gives more definition on natures creation.Equipment
I use Canon equipment mainly because I like the layout and feel. I used a 100-400mm Canon lens on this shot. 400mm to me is the best focal length to use for pretty much everything I shoot whether it's birds, mammals, insects or flowers and even landscape sometimes. I never use a tripod unless it's a night shot or anything that requires a long shutter speed. I don't even use a tripod for moon shots because the moon is bright enough to use a pretty fast shutter speed. My theory is, your hands cushion the vibrations which are fast movements and the slower movements from handholding can be controlled by a combination of faster shutter speed and image stabilized lens and or camera body. I only use a flash for indoor shooting or for fill lighting.Inspiration
I am inspired by any and all nature. Just being out there with nature and taking photos to share with others that might not get to see what I see is enough. I don't sell my photos and if someone wants to print or use my photos I am honored that they think they are good enough. Eufaula NWR has used many of my photos for promotions and brochures and I never ask for anything in return. Just being able to share is enough.Editing
I always use manual and raw in my camera because I want to control how the picture is going to turn out. I process all my photos because they are all taken in raw. I don't change them much from what I captured with the camera, just add or subtract a little lighting, contrast or color. If it needs a lot of adjustment it usually just get deleted. I try to keep everything as natural and close to what I see with my eye's as possible.In my camera bag
Right now I am using a Canon R5 camera body which is taking some getting used to. I use a Canon 100-500mm RF lens which I love and recently added a 1.4x teleconverter but I'm not real sure I like that. I keep a 24-105mm lens in the bag for general purpose and landscape photos. I will be adding a 15-35mm for extra wide angle shots when needed. I also keep a 600EX-RT flash to use when needed and that's it. Oh, I do have a good tripod but that has only been used a couple times and usually stays home.Feedback
My advice is to get off auto, learn your gear and know what effect each setting has and practice. I am self taught and never took any classes but if you think you need to, go for it. After a while you can just look at the light and pretty much know what settings you need to get the results you want instead of letting the camera decide what it thinks is best. Auto will usually get a good exposure but when you understand what each setting will do you can get the photos you want instead of what the camera wants.
