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1916
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Awards
Honorable Mention in Reflections In Nature Photo Contest 2023
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Contest Finalist in My Incredible Landscape Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
javiervlzqzphoto
October 19, 2020
Marvelous light and scenery - perfect exposure and excellent composition.
NatureLoverJJWal
November 09, 2020
It is wonderful landscape. I love all the details. Congratulations on your Finalist in Incredible landscape!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. I went with a couple of photographer buddies that know Yosemite very well. We spent a couple of days there and made great memories trying to capture many scenes within this beautiful place.Time
This photo was taken in the late afternoon as we were making the drive through the park. Luckily for me, my friends know the park like the back of their hands so they knew this as one of the favored pull off areas to shoot photos.Lighting
The lighting was that late afternoon light that sheds over the valley at this time of year which offers both sunlight and shadows against the grandiose cliffs. On this occasion, a storm started brewing in the sky which later gave way that following week to the year's first snowfall. This photo shows those clouds starting to brew.Equipment
I shot this with a Tamron 18-270mm lens on a Nikon 5500 dslr. I used an Oben tripod while standing in the Merced river. As the water was so low, I had to walk up the river a ways in order to find a big enough water hole for my liking. Luckily there was enough water in this area.Inspiration
I have always loved the stories of the climbers of the famous El Capitan rock formation. This opportunity of everything falling into place in order to take this photo was a blessing. I love reflections and I love these peaks. Three Brothers to the right, and El Capitan to the left with reflections in the foreground. a great setup. The fall colors added to the entire shot and the reflections enhanced the peaks along with the sun coming in from an angle. This shot reminded me of many 20th century paintings I have seen in the Smithsonian Art Museum.Editing
My standard post processing usually includes a majority of Lightroom, with included presets from Serge Ramelli that I use as a base and then bring out the photo from there. In touching up areas or removing dust spots, I will often jump to Photoshop to remove unwanted items. It was only while making the enhancements that the clouds started to appear from what I only saw as a misty haze at the time of shooting. I was elated that this came out in the process!In my camera bag
Of course I always pack my camera. At the time of this shooting it was Nikon. Nowadays I have switched to Sony and shoot with a Sony A7r iii full frame camera. Of course you can't shoot photos without lenses. I try to usually carry lenses that will take me from wide angle to zoom in my F-Stop camera pack. I always carry a lens cleaning kit with sensor wipes and of course a dust free soft cloth or two to wipe down lenses. Batteries are so important these days, and I usually carry more than I need which I make sure are charged before I make the trip. If I stay for days, I'll charge them during the night. I often carry a lightweight (but sturdy) tripod as most all photos I shoot are on a tripod. I never fear of taking too much when I'm traveling by car like in this case. Better to have enough gear than not enough.Feedback
If you're going to photograph Yosemite or anywhere, plan it out, especially If you don't have someone that knows the area. In all cases frame your shot. Take your time, and in my opinion, when it comes to the number of shots, take a bunch. You can always delete. If you desire to shoot waterfalls, remember what time of the year has the most or the least amount of water running. Double check your settings! Check your shots to make sure they're right. Nothing like finding out you that you forgot to reset your settings somewhere on your camera and you just shot everything with the wrong ISO, etc. You may never get a chance to go back so make it count. Clean your lenses, sensors, make sure you have full batteries, set up your shots, take them and check them. Most of all have a great time!