A kayak is paddled over the waterfall at Pont y Pair, Betws y Coed.
A kayak is paddled over the waterfall at Pont y Pair, Betws y Coed.
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at Pont y Pair Falls on the River Llugwy in Betws y Coed, North Wales. I had gone to Betws y Coed seeking photos, following very high rainfall and to hopefully capture pictures of salmon leaping the falls.Time
The image was taken at just before 2pm on a fairly dull day 16th September 2018Lighting
The light was poor but the falls were full of light so there was plenty of contrast.Equipment
I was using my Olympus EM1mkii mirrorless camera with my Olympus M.25mm f/1.4 Prime lens. The camera has in-body stabilisation and the shot was taken hand held. The situation was very fluid and did not lend itself to use of a tripod, no other equipment was used. Settings FL 25mm .. 1/800sec .. f/2.8 .. ISO 64Inspiration
I am an outdoor person, I love photographing people involved in sports and especially adventure sports. I had gone to the falls to photograph salmon jumping the falls. What happened next diverted me somewhat. A group of kayakers arrived at the top of the falls and spent some time examining the leap. I approached the group and they agreed to me taking pictures. Afterwards I supplied the images to the group. They were from Ireland and had come especially to run the river and falls. It was worth taking some time to take photos. I was using a 25mm micro-four thirds lens which in full frame 35mm camera terms is similar to 50mm. I like to show my subjects with some detail of the surroundings so the lens was ideal.Editing
Yes I always take my photos in RAW and so they need to be processed in Photoshop which is my preferred editing program. I always pay attention to contrast in the image and some sharpness and then I cropped the image.In my camera bag
I always select my equipment according to the days intended activity. I sometimes take two bodies fitted with different lenses but more often than not just one body and perhaps a second lens for variation depending on the activity. I don't use filters except to protect the lens in extreme circumstances. Thereafter, I carry cleaning materials for the lens and always use a lens hood.Feedback
Capture of this image was a chance encounter but I was ready for poor light and fast shutter speeds for the expected salmon run. I am always ready to photograph anything that interests me, especially outdoor activities so I always assess the light for the required speed/aperture regularly so that I am not surprised. If I need to, I am always comfortable using higher ISO, dealing with any arising noise in post. I used to always favour low ISO even in difficult light but have learned what I can do with higher ISO in order to get the shot. I such circumstances as this photo, it is important to capture a sharp image of the subject and therefore a relatively fast shutter speed is required; also as in this case, a wide aperture limits the depth of field. So know your camera and always be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that occur, is my advice. Take multiple exposures so that you get that preferred image, I prefer to capture a burst of three in situations like this one but on some occasions let the exposures run on.