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Half Dome from Yosemite Valley
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Behind The Lens
Location
This picture of Half Dome and its reflection was taken in Yosemite National Park.Time
This image was taken in the late afternoon.Lighting
The lighting was natural, the sun was in the west and behind me.Equipment
My camera was a Nikon D70, 70-200 Nikor lens, and hand held.Inspiration
that morning we walked a path across the snowy valley and noticed the wetland water wasn't completely covered or frozen over. The sunlight was in an easterly direction providing no reflection. We decided to try back that afternoon. Apparently, we weren't the only photons with this idea. When we arrived there was a long line of photogs stretching across the valley. Our position was at the very end of the available solid land. I set up my tripod and began taking pictures. The reflections were amazing and I took my time hoping a better location would open up. When it didn't we packed up everything but my camera and headed back towards the car. When we approached the location I'd scoped out earlier I noticed the two photogs positioned there had moved away to view and chat with other photogs. I took that opportunity to walk between their equipment, steady myself and quickly fired off a few shots.Editing
Many of the photogs there had plans to process HDR images. I didn't have the knowledge or ability to try an HDR processing. My edits were basic. Including, curves with luminosity masks for both lights and darks. W/B adjustments, shadows/highlight and selective sharpening.In my camera bag
My main camera body is now a Nikon D800, backup is a D70. Nikor lenses: 16-24, 24-70, 70-200 and 105 macro SB800 and sunpak speed lights with wireless Tripod and monopod ReflectorsFeedback
Don't hesitate to visit a location multiple times, when possible. Use a tripod! This is one of my favorite pictures that I feel lucky to have taken hand held.