After the Mud
After fighting it's way through the mud, the stunning lotus flawlessly emerges in the light.
Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Lens: EF100mm f-2.8 Macro USM...
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After fighting it's way through the mud, the stunning lotus flawlessly emerges in the light.
Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Lens: EF100mm f-2.8 Macro USM
AP: 2.8
Scene: Standard
Read less
Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Lens: EF100mm f-2.8 Macro USM
AP: 2.8
Scene: Standard
Read less
Jun, 2018Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Legendary Award
2020 Choice Award
9Teen Award
Community Choice Award
Peer Choice Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I absolutely LOVE flowers! When I heard that an upcoming wedding gig was at San Diego Botanic Garden (then known as Quail Botanical Gardens) in Encinitas, CA. I was beyond delighted! I captured this as I was scouting the location.Time
I had a bit of a drive ahead of me, from Los Angeles to Encinitas, and the excitement of the location had me up up before the morning birds. I arrived to scout the gardens at 8am. Shutter released at 9:36:09AMLighting
It is quite shaded in this area of the gardens, with lots of tall bamboo and trees all around. I wasn't prepared with lighting, but had my tripod. I figured I could do a long exposure and a couple faster shutters and then would stack in post. Fortunately, and completely unplanned or expected, the sunlight gifted me with a brief moment of light filtered by a slightly clearing but overcast sky that softly washed light over the exact flower the lens was aimed at. These moments are so rare and it always fills me with glee when I am there to capture one! No stacking for exposure needed. I took two shots with slightly different compositions, same settings otherwise, and then the light was gone. Happy Happy! Joy Joy!Equipment
Camera: Canon T3i Lens: EF100mm f2:8 Macro USM Exposure: 1/160 sec; f2.8; ISO 100; Manual; Pattern Metering Some cheap tripod I had in my car. I always have a tripod in my car!Inspiration
I ADORE FLOWERS! We got to explore the gardens before operating hours. What a sweet privilege to walk these grounds in near solitude after following the bride and groom around and experiencing their love for the place. I spotted and marked the Lotus pond as we went, and then returned to it after saying goodbye to the lovely couple. The dark Elephant Ears simply made for the best natural backdrop to make this beauty pop! The scene beckoned me to get on my belly for the composition I wanted. It called to me, and I happened to be listening. The light graced me, I released the shutter, moved the camera slightly, released the shutter again. I bowed to The Great Mother in gratitude for that brief illumination and all her splendor. Nature, she always inspires me.Editing
Post-Processing? Of course! Fortunately, on this particular shot I didn't need to do much. I pressed the blacks to get a bit more depth. My favorite prime lens has a flaw in it, so I generally have to remove a small spot from frame. I'm pretty certain that was the case with this photo. That was it! Usually there is more to do, but again, this was one of those moments.In my camera bag
My bag has gotten better since this photo. My Canon T3i has been traded out for my Canon 5D Mark lV. A heavier camera for sure, but i like that about it. I never leave without my Canon EF100mm 2.8 Macro. It was dropped many moons ago, and has a small flaw in it, but it was the first lens that I got that made me understand quality photos. It is even better now that I have the camera that allows it to perform at its max capacity. I love this lens! I also always have my Canon Prime EF24mm 1:1.4 What a beauty! I get the whole landscape with this, and I don't mind having to adjust the profile conditions of the wide angle when what's in frame calls for it (like when shooting portraits with it). I am about moving with what I see so I only use these two prime lenses these days. I have a Canon EF55mm 1:1.4 on my wish list! Those three lenses will make my art tools complete for the rest of my days for sure. There is my MEFOTO tripod which collapses down beautifully for easy travel. I also bring along at least one extra (fully charged) battery, multiple flash cards, remote for long exposure, and a red headlamp for night shooting. Lens wipes are in there, as well as some water sleeves for when the weather turns on me. So far I haven't gotten into using lighting devices, but am aspiring to it.Feedback
My advice is always have your camera with you and be ready to stop and shoot whenever you feel drawn to. There will never be another moment like the one you are in; the light will change and you just may never pass the area again so don't make excuses to pass it by. If you love flowers and plant life, GO TO BOTANICAL GARDENS! If you are physically able to get low and create an unusual composition, do it! Most people know what a flower looks like from their own height, but to wake their curiosity you have to play with your own. Flowers become something completely mystical from underneath, down low, and even from a birds-eye-view. Stay curious and courageous. Most of all, HAVE FUN!
