Ctgilbert

Garden of the Gods

iPhone 6

Aperture f/2.2 ISO 32 Shutter 1/1883 Focal Length 83/20

upload_date

Oct, 2015

Views

1342

Likes

+178

Awards

Featured

Contest Finalist in Monochrome Objects Photo Contest

Peer Award

+100

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

All Star

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Genius

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 30 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo from Ridge Road at the Garden of the Gods located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, CO. Ridge Road provides an incredible overlook for Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak. However, there are also substantial rock formations that provide great foreground for images of the Garden of the Gods rock formations. I've spent a lot of time photographing this iconic area and even though it is a somewhat small area, there is still more for me to visit and photograph.

Time

This was taken late morning. I'd spent quite a bit of time north of the major rock formations photographing the incredible sunrise colors. Once the sun was up and the colors started to fade I moved to the southern edge of the park on Ridge Road.

Lighting

This was a late morning picture and the sun was starting to become harsh. The clouds still had a lot of texture and and tone, as did the rocks so this was a no-brainer for black and white.

Equipment

I shot this with an iPhone 6s (no flash, tripod, external lens). I usually shoot with a Canon 70D, Pro-Max tripod and assorted lenses. However, most of those items are already in the picture.

Inspiration

You can see from the picture I was shooting Sentinel Rock and Cathedral Spires (the most prominent of the Garden of the Gods formations) with my Canon 70D. On a whim, I decided to take a picture of my setup with my iPhone so that I could quickly post an update to Instagram and Facebook. I made some quick edits in Snapseed and this was the result.

Editing

The only processing I did was on the iPhone directly using Snapseed. Even though I have multiple editing apps on my iPhone, Snapseed is my go to choice due to its ease of use and all-around capabilities.

In my camera bag

My Lowepro backpack is pretty full. I have a Canon 70D, Tokina 11-16, Tamron 24-70, and Canon 55-250. I also carry a Pro-Max travel tripod and Platypod Pro along with various cleaning tools and supplies as well as a neutral density filter kit. For the iPhone, I carry a tripod adapter (usually for time-lapse videos) and an Olloclip for macro photography. Finally, I carry a TriggerTrap for long exposure opportunities.

Feedback

It seems that no matter how much I plan and prepare for a photo, the best tend to be photos I've taken on a whim or after I've shot what I planned for. This was one of those photos. So, the only advice I can provide is even if it seems silly or a waste, take the shot. Why not? You never know when you are going to end up with a winner because of it.

See more amazing photos, follow Ctgilbert

Ctgilbert

Ctgilbert

Garden of the Gods

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Ctgilbert

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