DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 
Challenge Entries
Portfolio Images
This image is not part of a public portfolio.
Wildlife as Canon Sees It
1st PlaceWildlife as Canon Sees It
DrAchoo


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Portrait of a Camera (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-5D
Lens: Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM
Location: Camas, WA
Date: May 17, 2008
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/125
Galleries: Animals, Self Portrait
Date Uploaded: May 17, 2008

This is the most fun I've had shooting in a while. The whole shot was quite involved. The family biked down a trail we love about 2 miles to a little frog pond. We had fun catching this little guy (and seeing some enormous frogs the size of a grapefruit) and putting him in a tupperware container. We then biked back along the path to a spot that had this perfect lilypad. I set the real camera up on the tripod and composed the shot as best I could. I then donned the drysuit (mainly for effect rather than temperature) and waded out for some test shots. Jenn was manning the camera. Once we got things set, I then got the frog, removed the tupperware lid and placed the container upside down on the lilypad. I then got as ready as I could and quickly flung the tupperware out of the picture. I wasn't sure if the frog would immediately bolt and we'd be out of luck, but he hung around for about 30 pictures and then was still there after we were done.

The DOF is on purpose to make sure the camera is the subject. If I were composing this for a Free Study, the frog would be in focus instead.

The camera is my 5D and lens which were destroyed last year in an ocean accident. I kept them around to use as a prop in a shot just like this.

I have really high hopes for this, but we shall see. Nothing special on processing.

POST: Whew! I'm happy to accept the blue because I loved this shot so much, but I was quite sure a 6.8 wasn't going to cut it. I'm surprised not one person commented that my shot would have been of the frog's behind. :)

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 137
Avg (all users): 6.7938
Avg (commenters): 7.8261
Avg (participants): 6.5231
Avg (non-participants): 6.9789
Views since voting: 23973
Views during voting: 550
Votes: 160
Comments: 82
Favorites: 27 (view)


Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
09/15/2012 12:21:30 AM
WOW... I REMEMBER THIS FONDLY AND ALSO LOVE THE STORY BEHIND THIS AWESOME IMAGE..... I THINK YOU DESERVE MY SHERPET JEWEL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, AS INDEED IT IS AN EXCELLENT IMAGE AND ALSO NOW A FAVORITE...

FROM SHEZ

SHERPET JEWEL AWARD OD EXCELLENCE FOR 'Wildlife as Canon Sees It' BY DrAchoo

-

CONGRATULATION FROM SHEZ

Message edited by author 2012-09-15 00:22:14.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
10/28/2008 06:54:49 PM
Super shot...Have you contacted Canon yet? I'm sure they'd be interested in it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
09/12/2008 09:38:21 PM
not sure how this wasn't in my favs already, love this shot, incredible idea, and very very well executed, nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/30/2008 09:48:55 PM
Hey - no fair! You've got a waterproof 5D! :)

Funny you should mention that the shot would have been of the back of the frog... it was actually the first thing I thought of... (why is he taking a picture of the frog's butt)...

But ancient memories of similar layouts in Nat Geo mag's were too fuzzy to remember if they had included a subject in their photos.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/30/2008 03:31:35 PM
Congrats! Your mind must be on overdrive coming up with ideas. ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/30/2008 07:53:11 AM
clever and crazy idea at the same time :-), i agree about your focus decision because it looks little undefined when you look at the photo expecting to see the animal in focus, but of course challengewise the camera should be in focus, clever thinking as i said :-)

congratz
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 08:02:33 PM
OMG ... you rawk and are kewl ... and that is from this 57 year old man ... but you prolly gonna like it cause I do when the grandkids tell me that about me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 01:13:58 PM
Excellent use of a door stop! :-P
It is a very cool shot congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 01:06:52 PM
So THAT's how you do it! Thanks for sharing this little gem & the story behind it. Congrats on the Blue, Doc :O) The only way to improve this might've been to put a National Geographic yellow border around it. And that says a lot. (ofcourse, the title would've been something about Frog Butts).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 07:05:59 AM
A shot that would make National Geographic proud. Gotta admit my first thought was, "My God... he's got his 5D in the water!"

But then I read your note. Nice job, congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 04:58:16 AM
lol. I LOVE IT! now THAT is dedication!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/28/2008 04:05:09 AM
Well, Jason - you are the persistent one!!!
When I first saw this, I immediately thought you had this on one of those reflective pond things you find in some American Cities, well Salt Lake actually, which would still have been a great image, but having read through, I am amazed at the fact it's really out there in real world situation!

Very nice shot indeed, and colour is great. I am so sad that the camera was a write-off, but I also wondered if you would consider selling it to me. I have dreamed of having one of these, but could never afford one up to now, and even if it is a very expensive-looking paperweight, I would so much appreciate owning your prop camera! If there is any chance you would be willing to sell it, please let me know. I live in England, by the way, so postage might be high, but cheapest method is OK. Is the lens also a write-off, as that would complete the paperweight if it's available. Not a good advert for our Canons, is it. I live at the sea, and got drenched with my Olympus by a freak wave while photographing, and after an emergency dry down, it worked fine, just a month or two finding dried salt round the join in the zoom lens/body

Meanwhile, best of luck with your future pix, and congrats on the Blue
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/27/2008 12:22:54 PM
very creative shot, love your dedication in making this happen. Congrats on a well-deserved blue ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 10:59:17 PM
Originally posted by Melethia:

And just how did that poor little guy get back to his peeps in the 'hood from whence he came?? Homewrecker! At least you didn't freeze him. :-) 'Grats on another one and on not ruining a camera in the process.


at least he didnt eat him
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 09:42:06 PM
Yes, I have already commented in this awesome image, but I just had to comments again..... Every time I see this one on the front page of DPC, it really pleases me and brings a smile to my face...... There is something that draws me to it every time.

Thank you.....

Message edited by author 2008-05-26 22:57:24.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 08:34:24 PM
Great photo. Canon should want to buy it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 05:00:15 PM
And just how did that poor little guy get back to his peeps in the 'hood from whence he came?? Homewrecker! At least you didn't freeze him. :-) 'Grats on another one and on not ruining a camera in the process.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 04:55:44 PM
This is absolutely incredible, really unique shot. Congrats on the ribbon and very well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:55:31 PM
Brilliant concept and execution. Easily could have (or should have) averaged an "8".
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 01:07:44 PM
Congrats doc. And the frog is thinking; "My ass could be glued to this lily pad. Better let the crazy human get as many shots as he needs!"
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:27:03 PM
Great shot Jason, congrats on the blue ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:19:35 PM
Congrats, Jason! I noticed that you were shooting the frog's behind, but...well...artistic license, I suppose. Very fun shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 11:22:28 AM
Jason, congrats on another blue. Great shot! Looks like it was a lot of fun to setup and shoot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 11:21:11 AM
And you did this without the insurance policy? Great shot Jason. Congrats on the blue. :O)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 10:56:15 AM
Welcome back to the winner's circle. Timothy-who? :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 10:47:44 AM
Heh. Another Jason special: creativity, planning, effort, and a little luck. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 09:42:56 AM
amaaaaaaaaaazing shot... best i've seeen in a long while..... WELL DONE...
definately first place

  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 09:38:07 AM
Psssst...Little Green Frog?!

You know that beautiful Princess you're waiting to kiss?

Well, ummmmm, don't look now, but....

::promptly faints::

Congrats, Jason! I'm speechless!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 09:13:27 AM
Well I guess when you say that you are going for the blue... you really go for the blue. Congrats Jason you earned it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 08:40:33 AM
Masterful shot.. very well thought out and composed. nice one!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 08:40:23 AM
just an amazing story and matched with a brilliant image

congrats on the blue
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 07:20:10 AM
I scored this high, as you made it really look so genuine and so dam good.....

Not only a great story, but also a great idea, executed extremely well, and I for one really enjoyed this, and so pleased it got the BLUE ribbon that it deserved.....

I can't believe what photographers do, for the love of photography..... Thank you.....

Message edited by author 2008-05-26 07:21:30.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 06:42:39 AM
A good idea. Congrats on another blue Ribbon Hog!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 06:30:07 AM
Very good idea, well executed, extremely original! Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 06:14:59 AM
Doc! Congrtulations. Great pic. It instantly reminded me of one of my favorite photographers, André Gallant.
His website

Wonderful!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 05:19:10 AM
Terrific image, great idea, nicely done, congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 04:46:51 AM
Doc Frog hits another blue, congratus
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 04:02:52 AM
One more thing Jason, Now I know what to do with my drowned D200
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:44:43 AM
Stunning sir.. simply stunning.. maybe a snorkel or some goggles on the forehead to kind of bring out the dry suit.. but still.. amazing..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:38:11 AM
Let me be the first to mention that you would have a great shot of a frog's behind if this was for real! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:24:39 AM
congrats Doc, well deserved, great idea and execution.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:24:28 AM
Congrats Doc, very clever!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 03:06:11 AM
Congratulations!!! i like very much the atmosphere... its like you see "i watch a photo in my mind and i should be shoot it"
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 02:54:52 AM
Congratulations on an awesome shot and another blue. I'm glad to hear that the 5D in the shot was already trashed. It made me nervous to see it almost resting in the water. Looks like a lot of fun.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 02:46:03 AM
Congrats Jason! What a fantastic and well thought out shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 02:15:37 AM
Somehow I missed voting on this but I did see it. Ribbon winner? Undoubtedly. Sorry I didn't throw my 10 into your batch. (Which would have hoisted it to a 6.8099!)

Fun shot that I am glad I got to see today.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 01:03:35 AM
Allow me to re-phrase: you're crazy. =D But I had a sneaking suspicion this was you. Congrats, Doc!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:56:24 AM
Loved this shot in the challenge.. glad to see your efforts were rewarded Congratulations on a well deserved Blue!!!! ;)

so... you were holding the Canon..but your winning shot was actually taken with Nikon right? ;)~

** um did you return the wee frog back to its original home after? ** ;) it had to be asked..lol

++ add

note: the frogs behind..but we all thought you were shooting the reflection of the frogs face from behind... you are just that good ;) ((well i think so anyway))

Message edited by author 2008-05-26 02:24:55.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:53:47 AM
Congrats Jason. Cool shot! Hope only your arms got wet ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:47:51 AM
This is not a "Portrait of a Camera" shot.

This is a "Self portrait, macro, water, animal, plant, green, mirror reflection" shot

let's see, 1..2....3.4.5...6 and 7... 7 ribbons :P

Congrats (again!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:44:20 AM
WOW...should have known this was you Doc! A blue with 6.7 is pretty amazing actually, well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:15:45 AM
Awesome shot Jason. Congrats on the ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:14:03 AM
Doc, what can I say, Congrats!!

Some day I will have to come visit you to watch you work, you have an awesome imagination.

-dave
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:13:04 AM
This is an outstanding (in a pond) shot! Congrats on the blue. The reflection is a good part of what makes this image cool. Well thought out, good teamwork, and nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/26/2008 12:06:58 AM
Ha that's awesome. I would have thought this would be well over 7 but 6.7 was enough. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/25/2008 09:48:08 PM
Seems like very pro photographer...: )
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/25/2008 09:11:03 PM
Jason, you are a nut!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/25/2008 04:16:39 PM
Wow, that is amazing...great shot.
Looks like a Canon advertisement.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/25/2008 12:10:40 AM
That's dedication
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/24/2008 02:51:04 PM
Nice macro in the making! :] Looks like a ribbon possibility to me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/24/2008 09:28:16 AM
Nice capture - some people are crazy! =D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/24/2008 09:04:29 AM
so thats how to get those shots??? original concept, good focus but the harsh light may cost you
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/23/2008 12:38:37 PM
Very clever idea and great shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/22/2008 04:28:17 PM
That is a great setup. If that frog is real, you must have had a hell of a time keeping it there. I hope you didn't freeze it prior to the shot like all the macro bug people do :) One of my top picks.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/22/2008 02:59:52 PM
Geez... I think you need to really put more effort into your art! LOL great capture and colors! 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/21/2008 04:59:02 PM
Please tell me you haven't dunked another one....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/21/2008 04:06:59 PM
Now that's what I call dedication!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/21/2008 12:30:06 AM
MinMy Canon will keep on 'clickin' when it falls in the water... Too many of mine have met their death that way! Great Picture... 2 more than a Portrait of a camera though!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/20/2008 04:11:31 PM
That's a nice one - definitely a perspective I didn't explore yet!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/20/2008 10:07:39 AM
Is that frog real ?? different take , like the reflection. 6
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/20/2008 09:29:52 AM
very very cool shot....he is getting up close and personal, hehe....i love this! 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 08:56:29 PM
AWESOME.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 04:44:30 PM
sorry my mistake should be a 7 strong shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 04:11:12 PM
Only the doc would get a camera that close to water. . . .
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 01:55:36 PM
man that frog is as fearless as that guy, hell this is a great photo
9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 12:35:44 PM
Extremely Kewl!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 12:23:32 PM
Best so far, absolutely fabulous!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 08:50:38 AM
Great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 06:58:20 AM
Hows your score?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 04:13:24 AM
Rather him than me! One slip and it's one serious insurance claim ;o) Nicely composed and well timed! :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 03:41:18 AM
I love this pic!! I hope you score well in this challenge!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/19/2008 12:28:45 AM
wow, that's quirky...nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 02:39:56 AM EDT.