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The Shaft
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The Shaft



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Looking out from the main mineshaft of the Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass, Alaska

Looking out from the main mineshaft of the Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass, Alaska
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cameraNIKON D810

settings Aperture f/29 ISO 320 Shutter 1/15 Focal Length 300/10 

upload_dateOct, 2015

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1 Comment |
meriemmeriem
 
meriemmeriem September 16, 2022
Very original

Submitted to Photo Contests

Tags

#Mineshaft #mine #gold mine #hills #clouds #mine carts #mine train #shadows
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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo from inside a mine entryway at Independence Mine State Park in Hatcher Pass, Alaska. The mine is being partially rebuilt and is quickly becoming a popular attraction near Palmer.

Time

This was taken in the late afternoon in September, when the Alaska sun is almost rising and setting at normal times.

Lighting

Shooting from inside a mine entryway, I had to expose enough to reveal the terrain and weather features outside while still leaving enough light to reveal some of the details of the entryway and the mine car rails as they enter the mine. I kept my hands as steady as possible and shot at 30mm (34-70mm zoom), ISO 280, f/16, at a shutter speed of 1/15th of a second. I'm thankful for VR!

Equipment

I was a using a Nikon D810 with a 24-70mm f2.8 zoom lens with VR. I focused for depth of field to go from just inside the entrance to infinity.

Inspiration

I guess I was inspired to take the photo like a climber climbing a mountain. After stepping into the entryway, I looked out and from inside, the sky and mountains had a bit difference texture than seen from outside. I thought it would be a nice contrast from cool, dark, and sheltered to warmer, bright, and exposed to the changing elements.

Editing

I did some processing in Lightroom to bring the shadows up slightly and to regain the original contrast between the mountains and the clouds. I combined warming the temperature slightly on the ground and mountains with cooling the temperature slightly on the clouds.

In my camera bag

I normally carry my D810 with three Nikon lenses: a 14-24mm zoom, 24-70mm zoom, and a 70-200 zoom. I also cary macro tubes (just in case an unplanned opportunity presents itself), and standard paraphernalia (cleaning kit, filters, spare battery, remote, etc.). I try to go somewhat light, but I don't want to be under equipped for what I have planned.

Feedback

Taking a picture like this requires a little experimenting with the light. Don't just take a snap and walk. Vary the exposures, the focus point, focal lengths, and f stops to find the result you're seeking. Be ready to try different techniques with holding the camera steady if you don't have a 'pod with you. Breathing and shutter control are very important in this kind of situation. VR is very helpful, but you've got to do your part, too. Continually monitor your progress, self-critique, and make adjustments. You'll get it if you work at it.

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