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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
People's Choice in Outdoor Living Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in My Favorite Trip Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Anything Fire Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Favorite Travel Memory Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Travel Photography Project
Contest Finalist in Never Stop Exploring Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Summer Road Trip Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in The Lifestyle Project
Contest Finalist in Celebrating Nature Photo Contest Vol 4
Honorable Mention in By Myself In Nature Photo Contest
Runner Up in Outdoor Camping Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Outdoor Camping Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Superior Skill
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ArtistaVivente
January 05, 2018
Thanks so much! "Out away from the crowds" - exactly what it is about!
PracticeLooking
May 11, 2018
Very atmospheric & magical image. Interesting image to contemplate...congratulations!
Rmay1
February 08, 2023
Congratulations on people's choice for outdoor living contest. I am jealous of this photo. haha
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on one of my road trips through the south of Europe. I am enjoying van life most time of the year and love to improve my photography skills whilst experiencing lovely new places.Time
I took this picture in the late evening. It was 09:26PM (21:26) and I remember the sounds of nature slowly fading around me. It was June (8th) already, so there was still a lot of soft evening light. I had just built the bonfire to my feet which soothingly crackled within the emerging silence. The water lay still and calm beneath my resting place, the mountains were slowly sinking into the blue darkness of early night. It was a divine moment of freedom only shared with my two dogs. I just fell in love with evening vibes like these!Lighting
I wanted to reflect exactly how calm and peaceful this situation was. So I used manual settings, all natural light and no other equipment whatsoever. I wanted everything to be as natural as possible to show that is was already dark enough to perfectly see the flames but still bright enough to also enjoy the amazing view. I had to balance the camera on my belly and had to hold my breath to compensate the slow shutter speed of 1/50s.Equipment
I used my Pentax K-1 body with a Pentax 31mm/f.1.8 lens.Inspiration
I was actually done with shooting for that day. It was nightfall and everything slowed down. I remember that it took me a while to built the fire and after the 'work', it felt incredibly good to just sit there in front of the flames besides the water. There was this moment when I suddenly felt all at peace - I knew I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. I felt the truth of this. I just felt unbelievably free. Like all moments, this moment, too, was elusive. And I willingly let it go. I wanted something to remember it, though. So I once again took my camera, smiled in memory of the moment - and took that shot.Editing
Yes, I did some PS, because I weren't using LR at that time. I kept this on a real minimum, though, because I wanted it to be as close to the original as possible. So I ended up with slightly adjusting the color (to a warmer tone) and the exposure (the original is slightly darker) and that was about it this time :)In my camera bag
I normally pack my Pentax K-1 body, because I just fell in love with the handling of Pentax. And I always have my Pentax 31mm/f1.8 lens and the 77mm/f1.8 with me. I somehow fell in love with the sharp edges of prime lenses, although you definitely have to move around a lot more than if you would use zoom lenses. But that somehow allows for a deeper dialogue with what you are interacting with as a photographer. Last but not least I have a secondhand macro lens (100mm/f4.0) which was one of my first lenses. It literally is age-old and fully manual (simply because it lacks the contacts) but I just love it. Depending on occasion, location and time of day, I add a (Metz) flash, my tripod and spare batteries ;)Feedback
It is definitely not the equipment that takes the shot - it is the photographer using it. So go for things you are interested in, moments that enthrall you, people that amaze you and don't ever be afraid to 'fail'. You just can't. Photography is art - and art is totally free. It helps a lot to know your craft and your tools - to know which settings on your camera have which impact on your exposure is key to get your mind off of it and be free for inspiration. With this particular shot it really is all about emotions, about freedom, tranquility, nature and peace - and it is less about processing skills or crazy artsy pictures (which I equally love). Feel for yourself what you want to transport in your shot before you go shooting. Know what is necessary to capture it and be patient with yourself and your surroundings. So emotions, mindset, patience - this is what you need for this.