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Jan, 2021Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo is a one in a series entitled Caught In A Trap which was taken 09/10/2020 from our work picnic area that is used for lunch or rest and relaxation. The title is taken from Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley at verse "...caught in a trap, can't walk out..." This series included five color photos and four B&W. The Crepe Myrtle limb and seeds were caught in the head rest of a chair due to a previous wind storm. The positioning of the items made for a great thematic picture to be explained in more detail later.Time
The photo series was taken between 12AM and 1PM as I was taking a work break at the picnic area which is in our adjoining parking area. I took numerous photos of differing subject that included this specific series. The lighting was perfect with the overhead sunlight and there was minimal glare issues reference the green seedlings which reflected light.Lighting
I used a built in "Low Key" filter that comes with the camera for the colored photos and the B&W options for the pictures that complete the series. I was practicing with the "Low Key" filter to get a better understanding of the feature, which, essentially, counters reflective glare as much as possible pending the angle of lighting and your position to objects. This was a straight ahead picture and the minimal seedling glare is reflecting toward me.Equipment
I used a Lumix DMC-FZ300 with a built in, adjustable lens. I was experimenting with the "Low Key" filter option to familiarize myself with the use and photo effects that would result. No tripod was used and I stood several feet away from the objects in an attempt to get a level picture as opposed to a top-down or slight top-down photo.Inspiration
There were varied inspirations for the photo. One was the seeds stuck in the chair head rest which normally does not occur as these are above the head rest, even when there is slight contact of objects. The other was trying to understand built-in filters that come with the camera which compensate for of aperture manipulations used on standard, higher grade lenses. The last was the symbolism involved which came after reviewing the series. The theme(s) is the chaos of 2020 reference the COVID pandemic which not only caught us by surprise that led to a poorly coordinated response, globally. The Trap is the virus and our collective inability to walk out quickly and free of harm even when harm is minimal.Editing
There was no post-processing involved other than reviewing the photos in the series to determine a story, recurring themes or symbols. The story, themes and symbols were post-facto since my interest was figuring out how the limb and seeds got stuck in the chair due to hard winds prior to the photo shoot.In my camera bag
For random photography such as this series, I use a Lumix DMC-FZ300 or a Fujifilm FinePix. For photography that requires more time and patience, I use either a NikonD3100 or a Canon EOS Rebel T6, each with adjustable lenses.Feedback
Take advantage of any photography opportunity, whether it's random or scheduled in advance. Trust your instinct if something captures your attention and photograph. At the very least, you'll stumble across a photo subject that you can explore later and in more detail even if it means changing camera equipment to perfect the original shot. Also, don't be your own worst critic because you'll discover a niche that fits your photography style(s). Example, some photographers flourish with technique and post-processing while others may focus on the imagery and the meaning(s) gleaned during the review period. Finally, study other photographers regardless of whether you have specific commonalities or vast differences, altogether. There's always something to learn and be shared with others.
