Macro, … And A Old Photography Trick.

There is nothing like dipping way down into the bottom of the bag, and pulling out a few tricks that has not been used in years.
This is a very simple image to create.
I just put the camera on the Gitzo Explorer 2220, made a few quick adjustments with my RRS BH-40 ballhead, got very low with the pond in the background, and then I used a old pair of nylon stockings with a small hole cut in the center.
Then, after making adjustments for exposure, and picking out a spot that a dragonfly visits often, I simply use “both hands” to hold the nylon stocking over the front of the lens which easily allows me to move the hole at any given spot in front of the lens, and allows me to easily hold a shutter release cable at the same time. Sort of like the old “cram it method”, … but with a twist!
A few adjustments in PS such as levels/curves, desaturation, and selective contrast gave me something different and interesting.
I also cloned out two short blades of grass to give a more minimalistic look which I like.
Using this method will also allow you to quickly remove the stocking and get a almost identical shot in full color with no diffusion or vignetting.
You can see the image in a post a below that was created only a few seconds after this shot while zooming out, and without the stocking.
Fun, … easy to do, ….. and helps to get those creative juices flowing!

© 2008 – Michael Brown
* Copying/downloading of images is prohibited.
“Halloween Pennant” – Dragonfly

Everyone take care, and thanks for visiting!
Michael

Portfolio Now Listed At “PhotoShelter”

“Macro Art In Nature”