Just4FunPhotography

Gulf Shores Wildlife Meets Sunset

NIKON D3300

settings

Aperture 28/5 ISO 400 Shutter 1/3200 Focal Length 80/1

upload_date

Dec, 2017

Views

792

Likes

+83

Awards

Top Shot Award 22

Elite

Peer Award

+26

Absolute Masterpiece

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Top Choice

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Emotions

Impressed

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Behind The Lens

Location

Gulf State Park Pier, Alabama is where this photo was taken.

Time

I could not wait to stretch my legs after a long 14 hour drive to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We arrived at 6:15 in the evening and I immediately headed for the pier to watch the sunset. I finally took the photo at 6:50 as the sun melted further and further into the horizon.

Lighting

The sunset was stunning as the sun's rays danced and glistened across the calm gulf water. Lighting became an issue when I realized I had left my tripod in the car. I had no time to retrieve it, back to the basics of ISO and shutter speed it was. With a steady hand on my knee for support, which is not an easy task, and a deep breath, I snapped 5 photos using different shutter speeds and ISO settings. This certain photo has an ISO 400, 80 mm zoom, f 5.6, and 1/3200.

Equipment

This photo was taken with my trusty Nikon D3300 and 18-140 mm lens.

Inspiration

As the sun began to set I noticed the birds gathering around the fish cleaning table. The hustle and bustle of the fishermen moving about did not seem to bother the birds. I slowly walked over and took a seat. This one particular bird walked right over in front of me. I have always wanted to do a silhouette photo and the timing was just perfect to do so. I remember adjusting my ISO and shutter speed, all the while praying quietly in my head sdon't fly off. I can honestly say I did not notice the sun's position, right in the bird's neck, until I uploaded the photo. What perfect timing, I had finally captured a silhouette and a beautiful sunset.

Editing

I use Apple's Photo program. After uploading the photo I simply clicked auto adjust, which will try to processes the photo brilliance, exposure, highlights, shadows, brightness, contrast and black points. Once that process is complete I can make more adjustments to each individual setting. To do a final clean up I select definition, noice reduction, and sharpen producing the imagine as seen in the photo. Apple Photo is a free, easy to use, great beginners post-processing program.

In my camera bag

I have a sun faded, well traveled EVECASE backpack containing: a Nikon D3300, Nikon DX 18-55 mm lens, Nikon DX 18-140 mm lens, Nikon 18-300 mm lens, Nikon DR-6 viewfinder, Nikon SB-500 flash, Nikon ML-L3 remote, Apple computer, rain shields, universal tripod and extra batteries. Over the years I found my interest in abandoned structures growing so now I include safety glasses, filter masks, flashlights, bug spray and a small notebook.

Feedback

Capturing a perfect silhouette that projects emotion, drama, mystery and mood can be an interesting challenge. Leaving details to the imagination is one way for photographers to tell a story. There are important things to remember when trying to photograph a silhouette: 1. Choose a strong subject. Details are left out of silhouettes so distinct shapes and forms that are familiar to people stand out. 2. Turn off the flash. You want the light in front of your subject to be dark. Remember flash brings out details you want to hide them. 3. Get the light right. More light in the background works better than light in the foreground. 4. Frame your image. Sunsets with even plains make for great silhouettes. 5. Use distinct and uncluttered scene. Make sure to separate subjects. To many things cluttered together will leave images faded together with no distinct shapes. 6. Auto mode vs manual mode. When it comes to light metering auto mode will sometime allow to much light to enter, where as manual mode you can adjust the lighting yourself. 7. Focusing. Set a small aperture (ie a larger number) to increase the depth of field – this means you’re more likely to have a sharper foreground and background in your shots. There are so many lessons on how to get it right. Sometimes just being lucky can also give you perfection.

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Just4FunPhotography

Just4FunPhotography

Gulf Shores Wildlife Meets Sunset

Behind The Lens

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