Lighting up nature

[robertwgross]

I had a tough challenge the other day. While out on a ten-mile nature hike, I was carrying only a minimum of camera gear, including my D60, 28-200mm zoom, and extension tube. No tripod. No IS lens. No external flash. No fast lens. My fault, I guess.

I spotted some great blossoms on a short tree. The best blossoms were underneath a big green leaf, and there was only faint filtered light coming down through the redwood forest, so the underside of the leaf was dark. I had no reflector to bounce the light back up under the leaf.

To get the three 1/2-inch blossoms framed up, I had to stick the extension tube on, so I was trying to focus within a few inches away. No tripod to steady the camera, and the shutter speed was pointed at 1/15 or so, even with ISO cranked up high. Shaky camera. No good.

I tried using the internal flash, but it was way too unnatural and bright at any ISO.

If I didn't care about the forest, I would have trimmed a few branches off the tree to let more light in.

I guess it was one of those no-win situations.

---Bob Gross---

[Conk]

I am planning a hike soon near Elfin Lakes Whistler B.C. I just hope I remember reading your post before I go. :mrgreen:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Every hike in the woods is a trade off...

Essentially the reality of the thing is the more gear you try to bring with you.. the shorter your walk will end up being= the fewer opportunities for stumbling across a great shot.

On the other hand.. carrying less "stuff" will certianly get your walk to be easier.. and thus farther... but you have less opportunity to maximize a situation for lack of "stuff"...

And to further inflame the situation,.. the Photographer's form of Murphy's law is allways hanging over your shoulder. The law dictates that no matter how much "stuff" t=you pack.. you will allways come across an opportunity that for best results will of course requie the one peice of gear you left in the car, at home etc..