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Awards
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Around The World Photo Contest Digital Camera World
Contest Finalist in Creative Landscapes Photo Contest vol3
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Desert Views Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Composing with Textures Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Stunning Landscapes Photo Contest by NPL
Member Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 21 Photo Contest
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the Racetrack Playa, in Death Valley NP. This is a rock formation known as "The Grandstand".Time
This is a dawn shoot. Pretty cold, it snowed about 15 minutes later. The road to the Racetrack is not for the faint of heart or passenger tires, follow the signage for minimally high clearance to optimally 4x4 vehicles, many flats are replaced out there and phone service is spotty to non existent and you are far from help, and sometimes there are no other visitors to assist you.Lighting
Natural Light.Equipment
Sony a850, Minolta 28mm2.8, Manfrotto tripod, Aratech ball head, shutter release.Inspiration
This photo was inspired by the interplay of light as the sun rises silhouetting the Grandstand against the mountain range in background and similar line of the the rocks and the shape of the mountains.Editing
Processed to emphasize the silhouette, the peak of the Grandstand blended into the mountains behind it and some dodge and burn was in order, HDR in the image to even the exposure across the frame.In my camera bag
Prime lenses for wide aperture range, digital SLR, shutter release, polarizer, headlamp for golden hour set ups or breakdowns, its quite dark without the sun unless the moon is out and finding your way can be a challenge, gloves and hat a lot of times it is cold before and after the golden hour, especially in the desert when temperatures change dramatically and elevation plays a part.Feedback
Preplan and scout an area you plan to shoot for the best subjects and best times to take advantage of good light. Take water and food. Use a tripod.