To a lot of photographers, harsh, straight-on backlight can be a bane to making a picture, or at least an unwelcome difficulty to be worked around—either necessitating a move to change the angle of the shot, or by adding fill flash. A shutterbug's gotta do what a shutterbug's gotta do, I suppose.
When it comes to nature photography, my personal shooting philosophy is to keep things as natural and spontaneous as possible. I'll move around to work a scene or subject, but I'm also prone to try and make my first shots from the original angle, thinking there must have been something worthwhile there which caught my eye in the first place. Artificial light is employed only as a last resort.
Mind you, I'm not saying my way is the only way, or even the best way. Nor that you shouldn't adjust your shooting position, or even pop a flash now and then. Just that I try to minimize being a stage manager or lighting director. I prefer to embrace the conditions at hand and try to find a way to work with what I'm given, recording rather than creating. The creative part, for me, is finding the shot and getting an image that captures the essence of its attraction. Backlight becomes a tool rather than an obstacle…and sometimes the primary impetus for the shot.
The butterfly shot, above, is a good example. As butterfly images go, it isn't much good. You'd never use it to show someone what a common Buckeye Butterfly, Junonia coenia, looked like; it isn't even a "pretty" or "artsy" butterfly image. Nope, what caught my eye, and prompted the photo, was that dastardly backlight itself—strong morning sunshine streaming straight at the butterfly…and through its wings!
I saw this not as "Butterfly the Insect," but "Butterfly as Stained-Glass." Nature's stained glass.
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8 comments:
Stained glass indeed Grizz - very beautiful butterfly.
That's a great picture .. one worth showing to anyone. I, like you, take what is given to me when it comes to pictures, particularly birds. It's nice to be able to move around and shoot at different angles, lighting and background but with nature you seldom get the opportunity. So take what is given to you and be happy you got the picture.
Weaver…
I'm pleased you enjoyed the picture. Thank you.
Richard…
I absolutely agree—when shooting nature, a photographer has to make the best of things much of the time. There just isn't always a way to get a better angle or change the light or background. But…isn't that what makes nature natural? It is for me.
This shot works not because it is a great composition, or even a technically good image, but because of the light and the viewpoint that light and butterfly wing triggered in me. I thought "butterfly as stained glass" the moment I saw it—and that's what I set out to record. I often shoot autumn leaves with the same "stained glass" thought in mind.
I admired your work. Your nice comments mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Grizz,
that is the difference between looking for a photo and seeing one. I'm one of the 'I see, therefore I photograph' mob myself.
Arija…
"Seeing" versus "looking" makes all the difference, for sure…and is something I've yet to come close to mastering.
HI GRIZZ - perfect way to describe the stained glass look you captured. The colors and brilliance are proof that the world is a creation of beauty if we take the time to "see", really "see". Your photos always bring forth the essence of nature's miraculous creations and possibilities.
Speaking of nature, We are bracing for hurricaine Irene - expected to hit Connecticut Sunday. I will be off line from Saturday night and most likely for a few days after as we will lose power. we are filling barrels w/water to "flush". And we have bottled up lots of water to drink and wash with. The toilet thing is the worst part, I think. We are getting batteries today for our very old radio which works as well if not better than any new fangled (sp) POD or other listening device, also oil for our hurricaine lamps, which are really so lovely to sit by and play a game of cards or cribbage or read. we have non-perishable foods, lots of fruit and vegetables and breads and peanut butter and beans, cereals and granola and nuts. Phew.
Have a good weekend, see you after.
Love Gail
peace......
Gail…
I've been thinking about you, wondering if you were getting braced for Irene. Sounds like you've thought of everything—and I'm sure you'll be fine. It will be a nice adventure, something to anticipate and enjoy all snugged in for a day or so. A nice reminder that for all our posturing about being in charge, God and nature really calles the shots. Who knows, maybe you won't lose power…but either way, you're going to eat well and have fun.
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