Learn the story, details and inspiration behind this awarded shot by ViewBug community member michellemckoy.
Location
This was taken at Lake Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand
Time
I was shooting before sunrise, as the Lake was covered with mist and low cloud, looking quite magical. As the sun began to rise and the other photographers began leaving that's when I ventured out into the freezing lake with my shoes off and jeans rolled up to get a closer angle.
Lighting
Most landscape photography works best with the soft light before the sunrises. In this case though as the sun started to rise it lit up the trunk a little and help to create some amazing shadows and reflections, almost looking like the famous Wanaka Tree is dancing.
Equipment
I was shooting with my Canon 6D, Canon 16-35 mm lens, Manfrotto Tripod and using a Lee Soft Grad Filter with a Circular Polariser.
Editing
Not much besides a few minor adjustments in LR to the raw file. I increased the clarity and contrast. I added a vignette to the image. Using an adjustment brush I bought out a little more detail to the trunk of the tree.
In my camera bag
When shooting landscapes my Canon 16-35 mm is my preferred lens. Usually I have my 70-200mm for closer shots. I have a variety of Lee Filters but my favourite lately is the 0.9 soft grad and little stopper. For water photography I pack a circular polariser. As well as the usual memory cards, spare batteries, water bottle, umbrella, torch, head lamp etc for the trip to NZ in the freezing conditions I also had a few hand warmers incase the lens was fogging up. Definitely a lens cloth to keep in my pocket whilst shooting especially in freezing conditions like NZ to remove any moisture.
Inspiration
I have seen this famous tree photographed many times before and so it's always been on my photography bucket list! We traveled to New Zealand for a 3 week camper holiday and landscape photography trip. I tried the previous evening at sunset but the conditions weren't good, windy with waves in the lake and no reflections. The location didn't look impressive like that. Feeling disappointed I kept my fingers crossed and asked the photography gods for perfect conditions for sunrise. Arrived back early the next morning along with the many other photographs! I couldn't believe the beauty before my eyes, magical and mysterious with low cloud, soft light and mist. A photographers dream and quite unlike anything I had seen before. I had been encouraged by two other NZ lady photographers to get out into the lake to shoot the tree. It was 3 degrees out of the water and 7 in. I waited for most of the photographers to leave. I couldn't hire waders form the shop to fit me, which left me no alternative but to take off my shoes and socks, roll up my jeans and brave the cold. One photographer was fairly objective to me going out but I begged him to let me get a couple of quick shots and I would then be out of his way. Fortunately he lost a filter which distracted him long enough. I was careful carrying my gear out into the lake. I knew it was now or never. My husband filmed me on his phone for proof for my photographer friends who said this was my initiation as a true landscape photographer! I was trying to create something different with my images which is very hard with such an over done location. The funniest part was I told the other 2 male photographers that they should brave the cold water too as it's definitely the better angle to shoot the tree. They both were so happy they did.
Feedback
Always arrive early especially if shooting the Wanaka Tree which is incredibly popular with other photographers. That way you can find the best place to shoot fom. Waders would be a luxury for walking in the freezing water! A sturdy tripod is a must, especially with all of your expensive gear so close to the water. Check the conditions before arriving as it snows a lot at this time of the year. You need calm conditions with no wind to get these beautiful reflections in the lake. You will need to be considerate of your fellow photographers and make sure they don't mind you out in the lake. Unless of course you are lucky enough to have this stunning location all to yourself which is highly unlikely.
