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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken beachside at Kingscliff near the Gold Coast, Australia. It was one of those spur of the moment things. I was out walking with my family when we found a couple of picnic tables overlooking the beach. The kids were playing with these gel balls that you buy as dry crystals and rehydrate - throwing them around at each other. The leaf is from a vine that grows beside many beaches in Australia. I had picked the leaf and was admiring the vein structure of it which I thought was quite beautiful. It was sitting on the picnic table - gel orbs were being tossed about - in an inspired moment I thought this looked clam-like and placed a gel orb on the leaf, like a pearl.Time
Later in the afternoon as the sun was descending in the west but still bright - great time for lighting.Lighting
The lighting was pretty natural - late afternoon. Just at the right time and angle to catch the veins in the leaf.Equipment
This was taken with my iPhone SE believe it or not. So, hand held. I normally use a Canon 750D which I did have with me on this occasion. I shot several pics of this using both cameras but surprisingly I thought this one was the better one. Just one of those things I guess.Inspiration
Well we were all on holiday, walking around taking in the sights. I had no great plan to take this picture at the time - it was something that happened in a moment really. You just look around and you find things. Sometimes you strike a winner and get something interesting - sometimes not. I am very pleased with this one, and quite happy and surprised at it's popularity. For something that was unplanned and simple.Editing
Yes I did do a little post processing. Basically a small crop, a little brightening, but not much. From memory I may have sharpened the image a little. And of course I added the sparkle.In my camera bag
iPhone SE in my pocket always. Canon 750D with a pretty standard set of lenses - Canon18-55mm f1.35-5.6 zoom, Canon 55-250 f1.4-5.6 telephoto, Canon 50mm f1.8 standard lens, Canon 100mm Macro L series lens. Hoya ND8 filter, Promaster Digital Polariser. A very small Manfrotto tripod. I also have a normal average tripod. Cleaning gear, spare battery, and that's about it.Feedback
Look around - see what's available to you to use as props. Take lots of shots. Don't be afraid to be creative. Use the light to highlight any features. Trust your judgement and be spontaneous. I don't know what more I could say about that.