Name: Josiah Launstein
Picture title: Raindrops
Category: Young CUPOTY
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 14

Josiah says:
‘When I was 11, I had the privilege of going to Thailand for a short film production by Nikon on my wildlife photography. It rained almost every day that we were there, but one day a storm came in that put a stop to the filming, which meant I had some free time to find something to photograph!

I spotted several monkey-moth caterpillars making their way down the trees near the lodge we were staying at, and wanted to silhouette one against the overcast sky. Unfortunately, we hadn’t brought much gear with us and I didn’t have a macro lens. I decided to use my telephoto lens I usually use for wildlife at home in Canada, and just crept up until I was at the minimum focusing distance of 50cm.

Then I had to find a caterpillar that was coming down perfectly perpendicular to my lens so I could keep it and all its amazing hair in focus! I don’t think I had really noticed the raindrops until I started crafting my image, and right away I realized that was one of the coolest parts. It took me a few frames before I had what I wanted, but I was really excited with the way this one turned out.’

Technical information:
Nikon D7100
Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens
ISO 640
f/7.1
1/200 sec
Accessories: FEISOL CM-1471 Rapid Monopod with Arca-Swiss quick-release clamp

Website: www.launsteinimagery.com
Twitter: @LaunsteinFamily
Facebook: Launstein Imagery