The Proposal
This was a very special evening for me back on June 15th, 2014. Natalie and I drove back from Vik to Skogafoss at around 11:00pm in the rain—but photography w...
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This was a very special evening for me back on June 15th, 2014. Natalie and I drove back from Vik to Skogafoss at around 11:00pm in the rain—but photography was not the main thing on my mind… We pulled up and the rain stopped. The place was empty, except for us two and the falls, which gave this night an even more incredible vibe. I’ve made Natalie bring this white dress on a couple trips before, promising someday I’d figure out a way to work her into a photo. As the skies began to open up and this incredible pink glow fired up over the falls, I knew it was time. And even though she was freezing cold, she made the quick change in the car and ran out into the cold skoga-spray where I fired off a few shots. I waved her back towards me and then and there I proposed to her with the sky in full brilliant glow. It was a moment we’ll never forget. 15 minutes later, the skies closed back up, but I was given my window of opportunity and I took it—a photo and a fiancé!
This was a little difficult taking this shot due mostly to my nerves and shaking hands but also to the spray and the longer exposure I wanted to use…I had my full-size microfiber towel (a must for any Iceland trip) draped over the camera constantly, adjusted everything the way I wanted—44mm, f/16, 3 seconds. When ready I would pull back the towel and quickly wipe the lens down with Kimtech Science KimWipes which come in very handy and take the spray right off without streaking. Before she ran out there, I instructed Natalie to strike a few poses and hold for 10 seconds each and she did a great job on this one. The longer shutter made her dress wave in the wind which turned out to be a cool effect. I also took some shorter exposures to make sure I captured the sky correctly. In this shot she is actually not even that close to the falls, but I like it because she is more prominent in the scene and it still gives the waterfall some scale. The lighting was just gorgeous. I also like the different color temperatures in the clouds of mist at the top and bottom of the falls.
Thank you for viewing and sharing your comments.
Please feel free to check out my website: exposurescape.com
Read less
This was a little difficult taking this shot due mostly to my nerves and shaking hands but also to the spray and the longer exposure I wanted to use…I had my full-size microfiber towel (a must for any Iceland trip) draped over the camera constantly, adjusted everything the way I wanted—44mm, f/16, 3 seconds. When ready I would pull back the towel and quickly wipe the lens down with Kimtech Science KimWipes which come in very handy and take the spray right off without streaking. Before she ran out there, I instructed Natalie to strike a few poses and hold for 10 seconds each and she did a great job on this one. The longer shutter made her dress wave in the wind which turned out to be a cool effect. I also took some shorter exposures to make sure I captured the sky correctly. In this shot she is actually not even that close to the falls, but I like it because she is more prominent in the scene and it still gives the waterfall some scale. The lighting was just gorgeous. I also like the different color temperatures in the clouds of mist at the top and bottom of the falls.
Thank you for viewing and sharing your comments.
Please feel free to check out my website: exposurescape.com
Read less
Sep, 2015Views
12024
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Awards
Top Shot Award 22
Runner Up in Falling Water Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Falling Water Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Elegance In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in People In Large Areas Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in From Afar: People Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Water And People Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Fantasy World Photo Contest
Pro Photographer of the Month
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 16 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Inspiring Places Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Love it
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Categories
PRO
BTay01
October 01, 2015
Wow. Beautiful story and a beautiful phototure. Every single phototure in your gallery is inspiring.
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DebbieKMiller81
October 01, 2015
WOW, gorgeous shot. It is really breath taking. Love the contrast, and the shutter speed. Adding the woman in a white dress just added to the contrast I think.
PRO
ChixPixPhotography
October 02, 2015
When I first looked at this, I thought it was a composite and that maybe you added a fairy into the photo. Neat effect. Great capture. Even better story to go with it. I think I'd have this hanging prominently in my home and would tell the story to all who visited. ;)
KatieMcKinneyPhotography
October 02, 2015
WOW this is not only a beautiful photo, its a beautiful photo with an amazing story behind it! What a perfect photo to remember that special moment by! Congratulations!
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kandieksweeney
October 06, 2015
This is absolutely stunning! I can't stop looking at it. Your other work is amazing too. I look forward to future posts from you.
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kcozy
October 12, 2015
awesome shot. Do you use any software to bring out the best in your photos. I would like to start using something other than cropping and lightening. I have a mac and bought an app to use different filters but your photos are on a higher level. I really like them.
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ryanbuchanan
October 12, 2015
Thanks! And yes, I definitely use other programs, methods and techniques for my post processing. Starting with Lightroom, then photoshop where I use plugins such as TK Actions panel for work with luminosity masks and also Nik Software. I spend hours processing every photo and have been developing my workflow for years now.
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Platinum
pegleg
November 19, 2015
such a cool shot, in the right place at the right time, still u had to take the shot very nice one i love it
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rogerwmeads
November 19, 2015
Absolutely one of the most gorgeous photos i have ever seen! Great shot!
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mle555
November 28, 2015
You are a gifted photographer and I love your openness sharing your life stories with us too. Great work!!!
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ConnieFisherFineArt
November 29, 2015
Brilliant and am so happy for you both ! What a wonderful story and moment preserved
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Platinum
adriansart
February 02, 2016
Absolutely fantastic Ryan what a piece of art with or without the model!
cdramirez
February 03, 2016
Wow, impressive capture, great composition and fine processing. A real Masterpiece
PRO
BOULENGER
February 13, 2016
viewbug.com/challenge/alone-in-a-famous-place-photo-challenge-by-boulenger
I would be happy if you could join my first challenge, "Alone in a famous place". Thank you in advance :)
I would be happy if you could join my first challenge, "Alone in a famous place". Thank you in advance :)
Platinum
Platinum
greghillman
September 08, 2016
A serious standout photo, I think the best I have seen all year....brilliant !!
aphotogenicworld
November 23, 2016
Thanks for sharing this masterpiece, but for a 3 second exposure surely you used a tripod - I'm confused by the shaking hands element?
PRO
ryanbuchanan
November 25, 2016
Yes, definitely used a tripod. My hands were shaking b/c I was so nervous about asking her to marry me.
jimfbauty
February 05, 2017
I'm planning on visiting Iceland to do something similar..appreciate all the text about how your shot was done and the little extras. They will help for my trip. Thanks for your time and sharing your experiences.
Beautifully done!!
Beautifully done!!
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