Flower
Mar, 2018Views
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Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took the kids to the Botanical Gardens in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. We were strolling around the gardens and were on our way to get something to drink at the restaurant. Just next to the restaurant was a water-feature and it was there I saw these beautiful flowers. The spray from the water caused the droplets on the leaves.Time
It was around noon in the day, but due to the high trees in the gardens, there was not a lot of sunshine. It was shady and cool.Lighting
Not a lot of sunshine under the high trees, so I didn't have to fight with shading, etc. I still have a lot to learn still when it comes to shading and light. I enjoy using natural light.Equipment
Two years ago, I was privileged to be spoiled by my family with a Canon 70D, because I really enjoy just shooting everything beautiful - from my kids to dead tree-stumps. I'm still saving for a tripod and a macro lens, cause I feel that I will be able to improve on the quality of the photos I take. So, with this flower, I got onto the wooden bench that was standing next to the water-feature and with one hand held onto the wire mesh and the other I took the best shot I was able to. Luckily I'm not really worried about what other people might think of this crazy woman, doing yoga moves on a wooden bench next to a pretty flower. I was so proud of the shot! My Canon 70D has not failed me yet!Inspiration
The kids and I were walking among so much beauty and we were talking about how awesome the Lord has created everything - no way this could've been made by a "big-bang". The Lord just confirmed what we were saying by showing us this beautiful flower. I love the water droplets on the leaves and had to capture the flower as a reminder of that beautiful moment with the kids.Editing
I am not good at editing, so I rather stay away before I kill a good picture. I have too much to learn still before I can start editing, so for now, I either like the photo or I don't. To me it is either a good photo, or not.In my camera bag
If you scratch in my camera bag, you will find my Canon 70D, with 18-135mm lens, a heavier 18-400mm Tamron lens and a few sweets with a bottle of water for when I completely loose track of time.Feedback
How you take a picture is usually how you see life. Some days you face it head-on and some days you keep to the shades and watch from afar. Plan ahead for whichever day you are going to have and take into account the weather, natural light, early morning or late afternoon shots and just be ready with your finger on the trigger when beauty befalls you. Hang onto the bob-wire fence or stand on the high rocks if you have to, but do not let anyone come between you and whatever you want to capture. I once read that you have to put something on its side in your mind, and that is the distance you need to stand from it if you want to capture it. That works for me, except when I hang from a fence or shooting sexy windsurfers on the beach. Then I need to be as close as possible to them.
