M-George

God's Own Sunset

The sun goes down in a tea estate in 'God's Own Country', Kerala, South India.

The sun goes down in a tea estate in 'God's Own Country', Kerala, South India.
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E-PM1

Aperture f/7.1 ISO 200 Shutter 1/320

upload_date

Jan, 2014

Views

712

Likes

+18

Awards

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Legendary Award

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+17

Superb Composition

+12

Top Choice

Outstanding Creativity

Exceptional Contrast

Peer Award

Emotions

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo, believe it or not, from a bus running at a speed of nearly 35 mph! This photo was taken in the Idukki district of India's southern state of Kerala. I was accompanying my class on a tour to Thekkady. Even though we wanted to stop the bus to take photographs, the driver was in a hurry to reach the destination. On the other hand this was a 'golden' opportunity which would vanish within minutes. So I had to improvise as follows: Step 1 - Prop up myself against two seats to achieve balance Step 2 - Rest hands on a seat to steady them Step 3 - Set a fast enough shutter speed Step 4 - Click!

Time

Setting up the camera was just the beginning. Getting a decent shot was much difficult than previously thought. I clicked three or four frames continuously many times before I got one that satisfied me. It was 6.00 PM on January 1, 2014 when I clicked this photo.

Lighting

It was the most heavenly of sunsets, with the golden rays reaching out through the thick clouds. The light was simply awesome and deserved to be frozen in time.

Equipment

The equipments that I used where: 1. Camera - Olympus E-PM1 2. Lens - Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R 3. Tripod - Bus seat backrest!

Inspiration

The natural lighting in this scene was amazing. The whole valley was bathed in the golden rays of the setting sun. The scene was suggestive of the mood of the tour that I was part of - nearing it's completion. I had to capture this memory forever in my camera!

Editing

I have a standard workflow when it comes to landscape photography, which I followed in this picture too. I adjusted the shadows and highlights, boosted the overall exposure and saturation, in addition to a little cropping.

In my camera bag

Being an amateur photographer, I have limited equipment. But I haven't let that limit my creativity and imagination. Usually I carry the Olympus E-PM1 along with the 14-42 and the 40-150 F4.0-5.6 which is the only kit that I have!

Feedback

The most important thing is balancing yourself and eliminating shakes as much as possible. Since we can't be hundred percent still inside a moving bus, the only way to get somewhat sharp photos is to use a higher shutter speed! Composition is gonna take a hike in this situation, but don't worry - make the crop tool your new friend!

See more amazing photos, follow M-George

M-George

M-George

God's Own Sunset

The sun goes down in a tea estate in 'God's Own Country', Kerala, South India.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow M-George

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