DesiDrewPhotography

Pier cafe

My first HDR photo. I love the original without the merge but this shot is my phone background right now, I just love it. Just a fun age it gives to the buildin...
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My first HDR photo. I love the original without the merge but this shot is my phone background right now, I just love it. Just a fun age it gives to the building. You can see the original in my feed.
Read less

Jul, 2015

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680

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+69

Awards

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+113

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken Downtown San Diego in the iconic Seaport Village. The building at center is of the Pier Cafe which has that perfect wooden aquatic look that defines a harbor city like San Diego.

Time

This was taken late in the evening. In a busy city like San Diego it is so difficult to find a still scene. Luckily it was the perfect late evening time on a weeknight.

Lighting

I have tried to recreate this photo many times but there was a perfect blend this evening with the stillness of the water and the televisions in the restaurant which reflected a perfect complimentary color in the water. With so much light coming from the street lights and wanting to draw out the reflection on the bay water it was important to bracket the photo to be able to see the definition in the wood and have that harbor look that epitomizes this coastal city.

Equipment

This was shot with a Nikon D5000

Inspiration

San Diego is defined by it's beaches and sunny weather, but I have always enjoyed showcasing the other side of San Diego. Seaport Village has that perfect character to embody the easy going atmosphere of San Diego with the beauty and fun that the city is.

Editing

This shot was bracketed in order to be able to see through the windows and to get the entire scene exposed properly.

In my camera bag

I keep my bag pretty full even though it is a bit more weight on my back. I carry my Nikon (now a full frame D750), a 14-24 f2.8 Nikon wide angle, a 24-120 f4 and a 50mm 1.8. I keep 3 batteries, just in case I forgot to charge the backup. A shutter remote. A Manfrotto tripod. Some accessories such as a ND1000 and a polarizer. Plenty of lens wipes and now that I live in Miami some bug spray is always close by also!

Feedback

One of the most difficult parts of shooting in populous cities if finding the moment of calm. Patience is key, letting the scene develop and find as many angles as you can. Especially with reflections on water, stillness and movement create different looks so being patient to let the scene develop really makes a difference.

See more amazing photos, follow DesiDrewPhotography

DesiDrewPhotography

DesiDrewPhotography

Pier cafe

My first HDR photo. I love the original without the merge but this shot is my phone background right now, I just love it. Just a fun age it gives to the buildin... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow DesiDrewPhotography

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My first HDR photo. I love the original without the merge but this shot is my phone background right now, I just love it. Just a fun age it gives to the buildin...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.