Here is something we can learn from benzcatbagan about the techniques and story behind this awarded photo.
"I do believe that by capturing this moments are ways that I am thankful that I have another day to make a difference. It is one in a million that you can ever see the colours shown during the moments of sunsets and sunrises. Every sacrifices of early mornings and late nights are paid off once I've seen the final results. I want to share my moments and expressing how I see another day in my life."
Where did you take this photo?
The photo was taken at Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. This is probably one of my favorite and most rewarding sunrise. No sleep the whole night capturing the milky way and aurora. It was one of the best morning I can remember, no sleep and walking around in the cold and looking toward the water and mountain.
Anything worth sharing about lighting?
I wanted this image to look natural as I witness that morning. I just used the natural light of the sunrise.
What equipment did you use?
I used my Canon 5Dmark 3 with a Canon 16-35 f2.8 manual mode, f/16, ISO 50 and 2.5 seconds exposure. My camera mounted on my manfrotto 055CXPRO3 and using a wireless phottix release. I Used a grad filter on the sky.
What inspired you to take this photo?
Great natural light that I see everyday gets me excited to take pictures. And beautiful people or beautiful locations that I see in daily life or on my travels. Also great photography by others inspires me, and great cinematography in movies too. Even looking back at my own work and previous accomplishments can be inspiring.
Did you do any post-processing? If yes, tell us about it!
Usually Landscape photography requires a lot of post processing but if you captured the scene perfectly requires less post processing. Using the Nik Software to post process my image form warmth, sky and pro contrast. Then I proceeded using noise reduction then sharpen it.
What equipment do you normally have in your bag?
The first thin I always pack is my Canon 5Dmark 3 or 4, canon 16-35f2.8, canon 8-15 f4, and sometimes the 70-200 f2.8. My filter bags with Haida Filters System ( ND, GND , reverse Grad and CPL), wireless shutter release, and cleaning cloth just in case I'm shooting near the water. My tripod Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 and headlamp.
Any advice for others trying to capture something similar?
Get there well before the sunrise or sunset to be ready as the best light is very fleeting and doesn't last long. One of the major features of landscape photography is patience, patience and more patience and wait for the right time, more travelling. Always plan ahead if you are going to shoot sunrise or sunset, know the location because some location are really dangerous. Always remember " In landscape photography sometimes you lose and sometime you win."
