Safety Among the Tombstones
Dec, 2017Views
137
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Awards
People's Choice in Urban Wildlife Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
Categories
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in our local cemetery.Time
I took this photo in the afternoon, sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m..Lighting
Where I live, there are many gloomy days in the winter, so when the sun is shining I like to take advantage of the light and use it effectively. In this photo, I carefully positioned myself so that the warm glow of the sun was highlighted in the left third of the photo. I believe it provides a nice counter balance to the rest of the rather cool and shady scene. There is a nice contrast between light and dark, and between cool and warm colors. I also feel that the background sun draws you into the photo, providing depth that wouldn't be there without it. Luckily, the deer were very cooperative. They didn't act too spooky as I positioned myself to put all the elements in the scene into the balance I was seeking.Equipment
I have been using my Nikon D7200 and have been very happy with it. I didn't use a tripod for this shot. As I remember, I leaned against the trunk of a tree to balance myself. I often don't use a tripod for wildlife shots, as there simply isn't time. I do use a tripod for shooting landscapes and other still subjects.Inspiration
I often go to the cemetery because wildlife seem to like to hang out in cemeteries! Maybe it's because cemeteries are usually quiet, still places and nobody bothers the wildlife. The deer in the photo seemed very tame. I think they have become very used to people and don't see them as a threat. I was inspired to take this particular photo because all of the elements seemed to fall into place. I like the juxtaposition of the shapes - the headstones versus the fluid deer and tree shapes, the balance of colors, and even the idea of life versus death - all of it came into play to inspire me to take this photo.Editing
I always do some post-processing. It's always a matter of degree and what I intend to say with the photo I took. In the case of this particular photo, I did some cropping, and if memory correctly serves me, I also did some adjustment of brightness, contrast and color. I may have also sharpened the photo. I was careful not to over process, although that is a matter of artistic judgment, in my opinion. I did not want this photo to come off "phony". In other photos, I may push the post-processing because I want an over-the-top effect - but not in the case of this particular photo.In my camera bag
I carry two cameras - my Nikon D7200 and my smaller camera, a Nikon Coolpix P520. You could call me a Nikon girl! I also carry my Sigma DG 150-500 mm lens. What I need to get is an extra battery for my Nikon D7200. An extra battery is indispensable, particularly when you go on a trip for more than a day. I also have a flat container of 40 grams of Silica Gel in my bag to absorb moisture. I bought it at my local camera shop. Moisture is not good for your camera and accessories! I also throw in little packets of silica from boxes of shoes I've bought, etc.. Cleaning cloths are also an indispensable item. You never know when your camera might accidentally come in contact with water, so it's great to have a dry cloth handy to wipe off moisture immediately.Feedback
Wildlife is often closer than you think. Some of my best shots have been in and very close to the town I live in! A cemetery can be a great place to find all sorts of creatures - deer, squirrels, chipmunks, ravens, crows, owls and more! Finally - always take your camera with you. I had a beagle puppy long ago. I was walking through a park, not paying much attention, when I turned around and saw my beagle nose-to-nose with a wild baby skunk. I missed the best shot of my life because I did not have my camera with me! I will think about that forever!
