DJLee
FollowPhotographed on a misty morning in Yosemite National Park.
Photographed on a misty morning in Yosemite National Park.
Read less
Read less
Views
1073
Likes
Awards
Leica Camera
Contest Finalist in Stillness Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken in Yosemite National Park. The site is a little pond in Yosemite Valley that appears in the spring with rains and melting snow. It is a favorite spot for photographers, who are often shooting in a different direction to catch the reflections of peaks in the water.Time
I arrived at the pond before sunrise, and it was totally fogged in. The handful of photographers who were there left for another spot, but I decided to wait around to see if the fog would begin to lift as the first light of the day made its way into the valley.Lighting
I love watching early morning light progressively illuminate the valley floor and its surrounding granite peaks. This particularly morning did not disappoint. As the light began to travel behind the distant trees, the fog also began to lift and this created a wonderfully tranquil morning mood.Equipment
I used my Nikon d810 with a 24mm lens to capture this scene. Since this was a half second exposure, I obviously had to use a tripod.Inspiration
With no other photographers or other human in sight, I experienced the silence of a still morning and a magical calming mood, and I wanted my photograph to capture that special moment. I looked for a composition that would lead the viewer into the light and fog and a space that was at once full and empty.Editing
I alway do some basic post processing--lifting shadows, recovering highlights, and some curves and levels adjustments, some vibrancy. For this image, I accentuated the cyan that was already there and paid particular attention to achieving a color temperature that matched the mood I experienced.In my camera bag
My bag is often quite full and can get a bit heavy! I usually carry one camera body (Nikon d810 or d750) and three lenses--a wide angle, my walk around Nikon 24-70mm lens, and a longer zoom. I also usually tuck in either my macro lens or a 50mm, depending on where I am going and what I think I may end up photographing. The bag includes extra batteries and memory cards, lens and camera rain covers, lens cloths, remote shutter release, allen wrenches, cell phone, and snacks (nuts and chocolate). I also carry a pouch with Lee filters.Feedback
Landscape photography takes patience. The elements can be harsh, the light disappointing, and the effort may not always lead to a photograph that you would want in your portfolio. The photographers who left the pond on this particularly morning would have been rewarded with a beautiful, atmospheric dawning of the light had they stayed at this spot for another 20 minutes. Take a seat on a log or rock. Listen to the sounds of silence. Wait for the light to appear and give her a chance to show you beauty.