PattiBaker
FollowA zen moment with an endangered green Honu
A zen moment with an endangered green Honu
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People's Choice in Addicted to Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
"Addicted" challenge for which this shot won is appropriate. Taken in the afternoon on a secluded beach near Paia, Maui. I return frequently not only to take their photo but to see how they are doing as many beach there.Time
I love this shot, in the afternoon on the beach most of the Honu (turtles) start beaching. I was there and do keep a little distance until one gets used to me. Most are not bothered by my presence but I do not touch or disturb them in any way. I sit and watch them while they watch me.Lighting
The natural light coming from the west is enough. It was nice this one turned to look at me so I could take a face on shot.Equipment
I use my Sony A7RII with 3.5-6.5f 18-200mm lens. No tripod as I laid on the sand to get as low as this one.Inspiration
I am addicted to taking Honu shots and at one particular private beach. The turtles beach most of the time in the afternoon and I am always wanting to see what else, what shots of them I can do differently. My favorite is when they come out of the water as no two photos will ever be the same as the surf breaks all around them and sometimes the looks on faces are rather humorous. These Honu are secluded on this beach free from noise, people, & traffic. I am fascinated and drawn to these calm rather harmless creatures. They do not really do anything but swim and sleep. There is a magical quality about these creatures though and also for me I am wanting to do my part to protect them.Editing
With this one I used barely there enhancing to bring out the natural colors and vibrancy of the turtle.I use Corel, Topaz tools, Adobe Lightroom the most.In my camera bag
I primarily use the Sony A 7RII with a SEL 18-200mm F 3.5-6.3 lens. I also carry a backup , the Canon Rebel 5 but rarely use it anymore. Although the Canon is not my favorite, one never knows when I will need those lenses or the camera. It is always wise to carry MORE. In my backpack extras of everything including car chargers, plenty of batteries and memory cards as I shoot in RAW format.I carry also the tripod and monopod with me and an umbrella, flashlight, and Macro tubes.Always learning and so my equipment grows with it. I don't forget the business cards and ipad. I try to be prepared for any shot that could come along.Feedback
Practice, know your camera! Take risks, shoot outside your comfort zone and get creative, get low, get high, shoot in the dark, shade and sun, shoot everything and then go with what feels right for YOU.I have my mentor in my head, look at the angle, settings, do you have tripod, optics clean, batteries, card in place? In other words have learned to be in the moment and really think and compose the shot I want. Sometimes I do and sometimes I forget but no matter what I just do it! If a particular subject just lights you up then follow your passion. With these animals I sit and wait quietly ,allow them to be ok with you being in there presence. I have been able to get close, one foot but I do not go closer. Here I was propped against the red clay cliff and having a stare down with another Honu. These green turtles are endangered so respect their "space" is important and reading up about the "live" subjects I am wanting to shot helps me