Sometimes I think photography is like golf. You go out there and take your swings. When you are on, you are on. Every shot goes exactly how you envisioned.
Sometimes though, even if you have all the mechanics right and the right equipment, you still can’t make the shot.
Sometimes even when you are on – the environment plays against you – the weather, or critters, or a branch that is in the wrong spot.
Here’s my example of why this popped into my mind today. Yesterday evening, I was sitting outside talking with my parents when I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Turned out it was a massive bumblebee. Biggest I had ever saw!
He was so big – I wondered if he was some other kind of critter masquerading as a bumblebee. So, off I went to get the camera to try to get a few shots. I figured we could then search the internet to find out what it was.
Had a macro lens on and I decided just to go with that. I figured by the time I got back, I might miss the photo if I took the time to switch lenses. However, this bumblebee was in no hurry. I sat and took several frames. The light was bright and harsh, but I figured I nailed a few.
While looking at the photos in Adobe Lightroom this afternoon, I realized I might have shanked my shot (with no hope of a Mulligan either!) The photo that was the best, unfortunately wasn’t as sharp and focused as I like. So, I worked on one that was. Well, it is an “ok” photo. Nothing that I’ll get to excited about – but it will at least give you a feel of what I saw.
THIS is the one that got away. The light is better, I like the composition better. My problem is some key parts aren’t in focus – in particular around the front of his face! Maybe not so noticeable on this little computer image, but it is enough to make me not quite satisfied.
ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/60 sec – Nikon D300
So, back to the old golf analogy. I suppose I came up with par today. No birdies or eagles! BUT, when you think about it – that’s what makes golfers (and photographers) go back out and keep trying! So, I’ll see you on the links tomorrow!
PJ
I do like the first one better but they are both nice shots, Patrick. I went to town to run some errands this afternoon. No sooner did I remember that my camera was at home then a hole in the cloud cover opened up and the most beautiful beam of sunlight lit up the dome of the county courthouse. I\'d say the "shanks" are still better than the shots not taken at all.
ReplyDeletewhat are you using and sorry nice shots tomorrow I have to do a shoot for the guy next door his kid birthday party going to be different I real dont do people at all I perfer nature and stock photos
ReplyDeletewish me luck think ill use the 50mm with a new polaroid filter
ReplyDeleteWorkinprogress - if you have a short zoom, like 28 - 75mm, that would be what I\'d take to a party. I wouldn\'t have to get way back to get larger groups and yet it will get me pretty close for tight action as well. In that case, it beats a fixed focal length lens in a big way. If you are indoors - you might need a flash as well (bounce the flash of walls or ceilings to avoid harsh shadows!) AND Good Luck! I\'m sure you\'ll do great!
ReplyDelete18-55mm is the best I can do becides that I have a 75-300mm and my 500mm mirror but thats just my moon and wildlife lens so maybe the 18-55mm
ReplyDeletePatrick, although I haven\'t used the D300, I understand high ISO performance is really good with the recent Nikons. Perhaps in situations like this (limited DOF shooting macro) its worth going to a higher ISO to get a smaller aperture.
ReplyDeleteKevin, yes - the Nikon D300 does a pretty good job at high ISO, but I was in very bright sunshine taking these photos and pretty much shooting from the hip as I wasn\'t sure how long the bee would stay. However, for sure I wanted a wider aperature for a relatively shallow depth of field - so I couldn\'t go with too small of an aperature in this case.
ReplyDeletePatrick your Blog really hits the ball park with me . I missed a shot of a Brid in Flight. Im sure I had everything set but maybe I didnt. I have to check again. Great Blog and Brillinat Shots as always. Darn Birds and I just are hit and miss and always have been.
ReplyDeleteI love the Colors of this last one
ReplyDelete