IMG_0352
Jul, 2017Views
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Peer Choice Award
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aimeeevoli
October 04, 2017
This is cute. I love your use of the little critters and their natural ability to melt our hearts through your photography. Thnx.
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in my back garden. I breed Harvest Mice and I have set up an area within my garden for photography purposes. I put plants in place, in this case teasel, on a specially enclosed area and then release two or three mice. The mice are free to roam within this area and I look for opportune moments to take pictures. I was delighted when these two decided to climb the same piece of teasel and paused at the top enabling me to capture this image.Time
The picture would have been taken around the middle of the day. I only use the mice in short 20 minute sessions to ensure their welfare because, as a species they sleep for two hours then stay awake for two hours continuously throughout the day and night. To keep them awake for any longer would seriously jeopardise their health.Lighting
The area in question is in the shade in the morning due to a large hedge blocking the sunlight from the east. Around midday the sun starts to brighten the photography area making it an ideal time to capture such images.Equipment
I used a Canon 7D with a Sigma 105mm macro lens. I didn't use a tripod.Inspiration
I first photographed Harvest Mice at a workshop around three years ago and found them to be extremely addictive to photograph. I have since attended 6 more mice workshops but then decided to get some myself so I can feed my 'addiction' whenever the need arises.Editing
I only ever use Lightroom in order to sometimes sharpen or crop an image or to brighten any shadow affected areas. In the instance of this image I didn't have to make any adjustments at all.In my camera bag
I have my Canon 7D but in terms of lenses, it depends on the nature of the subjects I intend to photograph. If I am going out into the field, so to speak, then I take my Tamron 150-600mm and my Sigma 70-200mm 2.8. For any macro or close up photography workshops I always have my Sigma 105mm macro lens. I always have a supply of memory cards and some spare fully charged batteries.Feedback
Patience, patience and more patience. Concentrate on the subject matter at all times. The mice are always on the move so, if your not concentrating or anticipating then you may miss golden opportunities. Above all, be patient and let nature act naturally, the opportunities will come.
