gscott
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bond falls
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Awards
Winner in Close look at moving water Photo Challenge
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susanneradke
July 15, 2015
Dear Greg - I like the creative view upon the subject, this is the essence of moving warter. Gongratulationes to a well deserved winning image!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Bond Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Bond Falls is one of the most beautiful. Anyone who is going to travel into this area, I would encourage them to make sure they take the time to see this waterfall. The photo possibilities are endless!Time
I took this photo in the morning in October. It was chilly, and there was some morning mist coming off the water. Fall colors were at their peak. A great time to visit this waterfall. Unless it is overcast or bright overcast, I will visit this waterfall in the morning while the sun is still low. I don"t like to shot in this kind of situation in bright mid day light. In the morning the fall colors are at their best, damp and saturated.Lighting
The waterfall was in open shade, with a clear blue sky overhead. Hence the nice blue cast in part of this shot. While the white balance had to be adjusted accordingly, the lower light levels allowed for a slow shutter speed. Standing below this falls looking at it, the sun is in front of me to my left. Even though the sun was still low behind the trees, it was peeking through in one spot, and giving a nice highlight to the right side of this photo. Probably the one thing that makes this photograph.Equipment
I took this photo with a Nikon 5100 with a Nikon 75-300 zoom. This combination was mounted on a sturdy tripod, and I used a cable remote to eliminate any camera shake.Inspiration
I really enjoy the movement of water. To capture it in an evocative way would be one of my goals as a photographer. I like to take my time, and look for close compositions like this. While it is fun to look for the perfect angle to photograph the waterfall, to find compositions like this is a real joy.Editing
First,this was cropped from the original shot. Then I did a levels and curves adjustment to punch up the contrast. I wanted to stay close to natural with some punch. So I punched up the color in a few spots, and I Increased the highlight created by the sun.In my camera bag
I currently own a Nikon 7100. I always have the 75-300 zoom(my most used lens) and a 24-50 zoom. I carry a polarizer for each lens, and a couple of split nd filters. I always have a cable remote and a spare with me. Also, 2 reflectors, and a couple of tools I made out of telescoping antennas and alligator clips that I use to hold a flower still or prop up a reflector.Feedback
Be willing to lose some sleep. The morning light is best in my opinion. Although late afternoon is great too! The low light allowed me to create the silky effect on the water. Most importantly, slow down. Take a good look beyond the obvious. I will sit down and just observe and think. I will move around and scan the scene with my long lens I have been to this waterfall many times and every time I find a composition I never saw before. Each of those best compositions were discovered by taking my time and studying the scene in front of me!