looking for light
Photographed a dusk, with just a hint of light remaining.
Photographed a dusk, with just a hint of light remaining.
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Dec, 2016Views
1637
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Awards
Contest Finalist in A Single Flower Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Dancing Flowers Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Top Ranks
Top 20 rank
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 20 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in a park in Denver, Colorado in between business meetings. I travel at lot for my work, and even though my schedule is very tight, I always make time for a bit of natural beauty and photography.Time
This image was taken near the end of the day, with the sun low on the horizon. There is a richness to the light at this time of day that I find beautiful.Lighting
The lighting for this image was indirect. The little flower was sheltered by branches and leaves, and the indirect, filtered light suited it perfectly. It seemed to be reaching for that light and basking in it at the end of the day.Equipment
I used my Nikon d750 and my 105mm macro lens. This is a great lens for creating pleasing bokeh when using a wide aperture, and I wanted this bokeh to help isolate the flower from its background. I also used my travel tripod, which is lightweight but very sturdy and fits into the carry on luggage that I use for business trips.Inspiration
I was inspired by the flower. It drew me towards her, made me stop and notice, and made me want to photographer her. It was a bit weathered--as I am also--having lost a few petals. But there was a kind of serenity to its pose, and for me a sense of opening up to life giving light.Editing
This image needed very little post-processing. I don't like a lot of contrast or sharpening in my floral images because usually I want the image to communicate the softness of the flower. I boosted the saturation a bit, reduced some shadow. and sharpened the center.In my camera bag
My bag is packed with with cameras and lenses and important accessories. I usually carry one DSLR camera body (Nikon d750 or d810) and three or more lenses--a wide angle, an 85mm or 105mm macro, and a longer lens. I pack a variety of neutral density filters for the wide angle, and polarizing filters for all the lenses. The bag includes lens cloths, batteries, cards, remote shutter release, rain covers, and allen wrenches. It also holds my cell phone (which doubles as a second camera) and snacks, usually nuts and chocolates.Feedback
Yellow flowers are easily blown out in direct sunlight and so it is important to avoid such light. I look for flowers that are in the shade or where the light is filtered naturally through grasses or tree leaves. The shot angle and point of view are also important, and to get that right you first need to know what you want the image to communicate. I shot up from below the petals to capture the feeling of a flower opening up to the air and light.
