The Arch
Mar, 2014Views
1123
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Featured
Contest Finalist in Unconventional Perspectives Photo Contest
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Great Find
One Of A Kind
Love it
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in St. Louis, Missouri, while visiting my brother and his family.Time
The shot was taken on Saturday, March 29th, 2014, at 3:38 PM.Lighting
Yes, you wouldn't know it by the photo, but the light that day was absolutely horrible. It was unseasonably cold and windy (notice the absence of people), with a damp mist in the air, and an overcast, dull grey, sky with virtually no detail. It was one of those days that make you wonder why you bothered to bring you camera.Equipment
I used a Nikon D5100 with a Tokina 12-24 F4 lens. The shot was taken handheld at F9, for 1/320 sec, ISO 100, and no flash.Inspiration
Well, first of all, I think the Gateway Arch is one of the United States greatest monuments, and an iconic symbol of America's westward expansion. It's also a beautiful example of incredible engineering and architecture. Who wouldn't want to photograph it? But, what really inspired me that particular day was essentially the bad weather. First, I practically had the place all to myself, and I saw that as a great opportunity to capture the arch all by itself, without the usual hustle and bustle of people cluttering the image. Second, I saw it as a challenge. Despite the cold, dreary, damp, wintry weather, I was determined to go home with a shot I could be proud of.Editing
Yes, the image was shot in RAW format, so I started out in camera raw, making adjustments to the exposure, contrast, clarity, saturation, and other options. Once I was satisfied with the RAW file, I saved the image and made a few minimal adjustments using Photoshop CC, slightly increasing the contrast, and bringing out some of the color. The image at that point was okay, and might have been good enough for most people, but I thought it could be better. The real change resulted after editing with Topaz Adjust, which I have as a Photoshop plug-in. I tried several of the presets, found one I liked, and then made a few custom adjustments until I was happy with the end result.In my camera bag
I recently upgraded to a Nikon D7100, and carry three lenses, a Nikon 17-55mm F2.8, a Nikon 28-70mm F2.8, and a Nikon 80-200mm F2.8. I keep UV filters on my lenses, and occasionally use circular polarizing filters depending on the scene I'm shooting. I use a light weight Sirui tripod, and I also carry a Nikon SB-700 speed light.Feedback
Yes, I have four thoughts that are relevant to this specific photo. One, don't allow bad weather to stop you from shooting. I honestly thought I was wasting my time trying to get a decent shot that day, but I tried, and it resulted in one of my most well received photos ever. Two, learn your camera, especially the technical aspects. Get away from auto mode if you haven't already, and experiment with manual camera settings. Be creative, think outside the box, shoot at different angles and perspectives. I would have never gotten this shot using auto mode on my camera. Three, invest in some good photo editing software, like Photoshop, and learn to use it. Think of it as an extension of your camera. I know there are purest out there that will disagree, and have a negative view of post-processing, I however, see it as an important tool which any serious photographer should be proficient in. Be aware that post-processing when pushed too far can render ridiculous results, but, when used skillfully and sparingly, post-processing can transform an okay photo into an amazing photo. I have no doubt that without post processing, this photo of the Gateway Arch would have received no attention at all. Fourth, and last, shoot, shoot, shoot, and then shoot some more, and try not to be discouraged if every shot is not a keeper. I took dozens of shots that day, and in the end, this was the only one I kept.
