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Barefoot_Traveller

The Pier

NIKON D800

settings

Aperture f/2.8 ISO 63 Shutter 1/320 Focal Length 26/1

upload_date

Oct, 2017

Views

1339

Likes

+316

Awards

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Featured

Peer Award

+562

Top Choice

+25

Absolute Masterpiece

+19

Superb Composition

+11

Outstanding Creativity

+11

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo is taken at one of my "go to" places at sunrise. Not far away from my home is this gorgeous ocean Rockpool at Narrabeen in Sydney, Australia - a favourite for local photographers

Time

This was taken at around 5.30am on my regular sunrise schedule. I often get up well before the sun and travel to the local beaches, hoping to capture the start of the day. There is nothing better than getting out before teh crowds and finding the perfect position to capture first light and, if I'm lucky, some great cloud formations.

Lighting

Lighting at sunrise is always generated by nature. This particular morning was by no means the most stunning or the most radiant but the balance between the yellow / orange glow on the horizon and the subtle white of the clouds provides an honest and understated portrait of the early light.

Equipment

I used my Nikon D750 0n a tripod. As there was sufficient light I didn't have to expose this for too long (around 1/200) so I managed to keep the texture on the surface of the water and no movement in the clouds

Inspiration

I am inspired by the colour of the sunrise, the different phases of the morning light - from blue hour to golden hour. The coast is always a special place to capture the colours, over the expanse of water and the opportunities to capture the clouds and the ocean. Often these elements blend on the horizon and can create a truly memorable colour contrast

Editing

I often touch up the clarity and lighten shadows in my landscape photography but this image did not need much alteration. I see this as a very authentic capture. There was enough light on the surface of the boardwalk to see the textured timber so no alterations of shadows was required. I did add a little vignette to highlight the light in the distance and emphasise the perspective and central focal point. I also cropped it so that the pier was just off centre, to create an imperfect symmetry in the shot and, as a result, increase the weight of the deeper blue in the water on the leeward side of the pier

In my camera bag

I travel light, only my Nikon D750 body and two lens - my telephoto 80 - 400mm (often used to capture surfers or birds at dawn) and my 24 - 70mm zoom lens. I also pack a grad filter and a series of ND filters if I want to shoot some long exposures. A tripod is also a must for early morning light as well as long exposure water movement along the coastline

Feedback

When shooting landscapes I follow three principles - always look for new angles to shoot the same scenery from, explore the area if you haven't shot there before - don't just set up in the first spot you come across and lastly just have fun experimenting. Digital photography allows you to make mistakes so embrace the opportunity to learn from mistakes. And one other last thought - always look behind you, you may be surprised.

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Barefoot_Traveller

The Pier

Behind The Lens

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