KMcCool
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I moved to the sound side so I could see the sun set right over the water and I walked out on a pier so I could get an unobstructed view.Time
This sunset was one of those that looks better about 10 minutes after the sun has set below the horizon. The colors gradually brightened to manifest the rainbow scene of the photo.Lighting
I tried to keep the shot as natural as possible and therefore avoided warping the light too much.Equipment
This shot is actually one of my biggest regrets because it was taken when I only had my iPhone. Since the shot was taken three years ago I have considered how much better a DSLR could have captured the image. The fact that such a stunning sunset was photographed using just a mobile phone speaks volumes about the superior beauty of the landscape; I could not fabricate the colors if I wanted to.Inspiration
When I saw the pier, flanked with tourists on either side, I knew I had to join the fray and try to communicate the natural beauty through photography.Editing
Because the photo was shot with an iPhone I was not able to do as much post-processing as I would have liked, as any minor change would add too much grain. I increased the contrast slightly and decreased the sharpness to give the clouds a more flowing appearance.In my camera bag
Usually, when I bring my bag instead of leaving it at home, I use a Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens. Otherwise an iPhone is a decent substitute.Feedback
Don't let any opportunity for a good photo go to waste! Even if you forget your gear, the natural scene before you may prove so incredible that a phone does the same job as a bulky camera. Shoot anything and everything that looks interesting!