ViewBug community member darrennightingale is an enthusiastic amateur photographer from Sydney, Australia. Darren won People's Choice in Leading lines in Nature Photo Challenge with his photo Sugar Pine Forest (waiting for it to snow, in the Sugar Pine Forest, near Tumbarumba, NSW, Australia.). Check out more user generated challenges and join the ones you love.
Location
This photo was taken at the Sugar Pine Walk near Laurel Hill in NSW Australia. It is in a highland area which generally receives snow each year. If your lucky enough to be there at just the right times, you can experience the majestic tall trees either surrounded in mist, or the grounds and canopies blanketed in fluffy white snow.
Time
This spot can be photographed most any times of the day. The lighting and weather conditions mean it's a very dynamic location.
Lighting
Lighting can be challenging when it's clear with bright skies, though not enough to avoid the bright times of day. Lighting is very dynamic under the canopy meaning you can achieve very different, but pleasant results right through the day no matter the conditions.
Equipment
Sony A7r and Zeiss FE 16-35mm lens. Manfrotto Tripod and head combination.
Inspiration
We were visiting the area for a family ski holiday not too far away. The weather wasn't great for skiing on the first day, so with the guidance of a friend who lives in the area, we spend the day exploring nearby areas for photographic opportunities. The awesome tall trees and mist made taking a few shots here compulsory.
Editing
Very little post processing. Some minor colour enhancements out of the RAW file, the normal lens corrections, highlight / shadow recovery and minor sharpening.
In my camera bag
For landscapes I carry my A7r, Zeiss FE 16-35, a 55mm vintage Minolta lens, and often 20 & 24mm Canon FD 2.8's for some fun. 3 and 10 stop ND filters, a Polarizing filter, spare battery (A must with the A7r) and that's about it.
Feedback
Keep an eye on the weather in the mountains, it changes rapidly, and weatherproof jackets are a must. Be prepared for lighting to change rapidly, and take advantage of those for variety. Be patient and wait for the conditions if you have something in mind. Early to mid morning is likely best for moody lighting. It's a popular little walk, so keep watching as people walk by. As they look up to explore the tops of the trees, the contrast of people among these tall trees can add another dimension to the image.
Here are a couple more shots we love from darrennightingale's profile:
