With the purple milkweed at minimum focus distance creating an ultra shallow depth of field, and the compression of a very long focal length of 700mm, the sun in this picture is a specular highlight, filtered through the background tree leaves, creating a camera obscura effect. A slight breeze and slow shutter further softens the effect of the golden hour setting sun. The colors purple/orange/green provide a simple yet interesting palette for this image that distinctly identifies each element, yet doesn't overtax the viewer's senses. Out of focus foreground and background elements enhance the depth and surreal nature of this image. This was an unplanned image, mostly created by the environment and good fortune. The conditions that enabled this image only lasted for a few minutes. Shot handheld with the Canon R6, RF100-500 +1.4 Extender, at f/10(wide open), 1/30, and ISO 1000 at Thornwood Nature Preserve, Hancock Co. IN on 7/31/23. All natural light with no modification.

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