Month: September 2023

Night Shift

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Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 
(Eph. 5:11)

Truly, I do not take scripture lightly. In this case, the application to photography was too tack sharp.
Photographers are obsessed. For whatever level, whatever reason, people who make photos are just driven by that little voice in our head that says “wow, check that out.” That little cue is the story-telling engine of being human.
In recent days, I noticed some moths hovering around our lantana flowers in the late evening. Curiosity pique levels overwhelmed me and tunnel vision ensued. Do you ever get that? “How should I do this” was my first thought. It was after sunset, and into darkness that these creatures manifested themselves.
Light. “I need light.”
My first plan was to employ a single modelling light from my portrait making days. It was a very simple 2-bulb set up with an umbrella.

The photographic results were soft and mushy. The challenge of course is that in order to make a decent photo of rapid wings was a fast shutter. I did make some video and the results were just ok. (APSC)

The next evening I added a second 2-bulb modelling set-up plus a third drop-light. This time, the results were better, but still way too soft. The images lacked detail. So, round three.
This time I broke out the old trusty speedlights. This meant I needed to go back to my technically “ancient” Nikon gear.
(1) Modelling light (for pulling focus)
(1) SU-800 IR On-Camera Trigger
(1) SB-800 IR Flash, (2) SB-600 IR Flash
(1) SC-28 Remote attached to the SB-800 – This unit allows me to override the D750’s low shutter for flash (250). The 750’s fastest 4000 shutter speed could be used. As it ended up, my settings were ISO 400 and shutter speed of 2500.
The third flash was added to the left side of the frame below. Results were much better!

To see these moths’ full color, a rear view is best.

I did like that some captures rendered a near black background.

The project took a total of four nights before tunnel vision abated. There was one other benefit/surprise to this endeavor. While making video, a tarantula made an appearance in the background!

Here is what was going on with that fellow.

Infrared triggered flashes are outdated since wireless systems are far superior. Wireless units will trigger flashes around a corner of a wall. IR requires that you have a direct line-of sight with the triggering mechanism. Still it worked fine. The ancient tech still works, and works great. Thanks Nikon!

Seeing Red

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Attractive
Opulent
Irresistible

Cover Photo: Rufous Hummingbird

August is dust in the wind and September has started with temperate weather. Tropical storm Hilary brought some rain and the red cape honeysuckle responded with red-orange blooms. This did not go unnoticed by the local hummingbirds and it quickly turned into territorial disputes between the little sprites.
Recently, while watering the orchard, a little Anna’s hummingbird swept in to cool off in the hose-spray. It was in excess of one-hundred degrees so the little one needed some relief. I didn’t move the spray for over thirty seconds while it bathed and drank. What a rush. I take my phone with me now in case it happens again.

Static bird photography can be very boring, but with the golden hour back-lighting, I could not resist. One of my favorite botanicals, buckwheat is in its summer splendor right now as well.


August also brought some lovely butterflies. Swallowtail were abundant and the heat seemed to make them a bit slow (which was great). This “painted lady” species visited our flowers a couple of weeks back.

In Flight

Finally, the quail are still coming around! There are 3-4 coveys that pass through. We have put out water for them for the hottest days and they use it every day. These shots were made through kitchen window double pane glass so, they’re soft and green. First one shows a hen sharing water with her many chicks (some off to the sides on the ground). The second shows one of the chicks getting into the buckwheat.