andrewkreps

A Shady Retreat

Jul, 2015

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Great shot

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

Located along the Crystal City, this famously photographed spot was finally knocked off my list.. I didn't even know it was on my list either!

I drove for an hour and a half, hoping I would make the drive in time for sunset from the time I hit the road. One more red light could have changed e

It was just sitting there in a field of grass. I had to stop and grab a few shots.

The clouds and water mimicked each other during this beautiful sunset.

A short trip to Decatur, AL led me here. The moment was slowed down.

This is the biggest waterfall here in Cullman, Alabama.

On a photo shoot in the woods, I spotted these two little mushrooms hanging out! You can tell the one in the back is a little older from the upward cu

I started at the bridge and followed the sound of water rushing.

Another perspective of the sunset on Valentines Day. Such a beautiful evening.

I found some liquid goodness walking the river below a bridge. The old pillars are still beside the new bridge. An alternate angle and edit of a previ

A cold hike down a set of 1,200+ stairs was well worth the struggle!

This photo was taken at a beautiful area called Double Bridge Mill in Geraldine, Alabama. I didn't want this sunset to end.

Never had I been in such a unique display of sun and clouds.

A shot from a local bands photos I did for them.

Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken at one of my most cherished spots on Earth, a little spot in Bankhead National Forest called a shady retreat. I absolutely love coming here to photograph, camp, and refresh my soul throught the year. Down the creek is another gorgeous waterfall that's worth seeing if you're ever nearby!

Time

This was taken probably around 3 or 4 in the afternoon during a long summer day in July. In fact, a free ride was my birthday present from my brother! I have found that you get a lengthened time frame in how the Sun's light changes vs winter, which opens longer windows for midday and early/late afternoon light intensities.

Lighting

Everything around this waterfall is covered by shade from the trees canopies, minus the opening above the pool of water. So I kept my eyes up, and waited for a very thin cloud to cover the sun before I opened the shutter. I use cloud thicknesses all the time to balance images depending on the scenery I am photographing. Clouds are a natural, soft box and essential in natural lighting balances.

Equipment

I shot this with my Canon 5d Mark II, a very basic Canon 28-135mm lens, a couple Lee Soft Grad ND filters, and the much loved Lee Landscape circular polarizer. The camera was sitting on a discontinued Vanguard Tracker 2 tripod with pano head.

Inspiration

The first time visiting here, many years ago. When I got my camera I really wanted to capture this spot in a way that you don't have to be there to feel. Every summer I come here and get a new photograph from a different set of perspectives on a day long hike or swim, or weekend camping.

Editing

I've been getting more into photoshop since this image was taken, but I always have used Adobe's Lightroom. My normal workflow after white balancing is raising shadows and lowering highlights to flatten the image a hair before adjusting white and black points, adding contrast, sharpening, noise reduction, and fixing cromatic aberrations in color. I just imagine I'm in a digital darkroom.

In my camera bag

Normally I have my Mark II, Canon 28-135 and 16-35mm lenses, a 430 EX II flash, remote release, a nodal rail for panoramas, the colorchecker passport, and my Lee filters which include 1,2, and 3 stop gradual neutral density filters, a landscape circular polarizer and the Big Stopper.

Feedback

Think about the Sun's location in the sky, the type and amount of cloud coverage, and the last time it rained. If you wait a few days after a flooding rain, the water will be crystal clear after having time for the mud to settle. It's never good to travel a long way to be greeted my murky water. Other than that, a heaping amount of patients. Good luck and have fun!

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andrewkreps

andrewkreps

A Shady Retreat

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow andrewkreps

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