Jae_atWitsEnd
FollowRainy day at the watershed.
Rainy day at the watershed.
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Behind The Lens
Location
Umbrella at the Watershed was taken at a small, local nature preserve in central Illinois - about a mile from my home.Time
It was late morning and I was simply tired of watching the rain from inside my house (the second or third straight day of rain). I grabbed the most colorful umbrella I could find and set off for the closest natural area.Lighting
There was no light worth anything on this day, but the mist was atmospheric. I used the umbrella to add color to the otherwise grey scene.Equipment
For this photo, I was still using my little Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V. This was my first fully automatic camera (!) and I was experimenting with what it (and I) could do. I'd only been pursuing photography as a hobby for a few months at the time this photo was taken. For this photo, I used a tripod and the timer function.Inspiration
Viewbug! I'd just joined Viewbug and saw this competition. At about the same time, I watched the amazing video with Robin Griggs Wood on how to create composite images http://www.viewbug.com/blog/create-amazing-composites-robin-griggs-wood I didn't even know about composite images! I knew Viewbug was the place for me to grow and learn in a friendly environment. Robin used herself as a model in some of her photos, so I thought - why not!Editing
I did some basic post-processing with an old version of Photoshop. As I learn my camera, I am also learning post-processing - they really go hand-in-hand. In this photo, I included layers to add depth to the fog and cleaned up the walkway quite a bit.In my camera bag
Remember, that I'm very much a novice photographer! Now, I carry a Sony A7II, but I also pack my little Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V - It's the camera that I first learned on and it's like a security blanket. I have a tripod and a couple of filters. I've not yet outgrown the kit lens that came with my camera, but that's probably going to change soon. I have extra batteries and a shoulder harness. I bring some plastic bags, rubber bands, and cloth - to keep the camera dry.Feedback
Don't be afraid of grey days. Sometimes creativity comes out of the limitations that come with the weather or location. This place isn't anywhere special, just a local nature area with a small pond - in the winter - on a grey day - can't get any more limited than that! I was very happy with how the umbrella brought just that bit of color to the scene. I would have loved a more colorful umbrella, but I didn't own one - so I used what I had. Also, don't be shy about putting yourself in the shot - sometimes there's no one else available!