Canyon Rocks in Black and White
Feb, 2014Views
787
Likes
Awards
Peer Award
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 2
Top 30 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at the Grand Canyon. I have been inspired for most of my life by photographers like Ansel Adams, and being in a place like this, I was hoping to capture a shot that he would have liked. My love of photography has opened my eyes to so much beauty, even in the smallest of things. I have had no formal training in photography, but it doesn't stop me from learning with every moment I try to capture.Time
We made a stop at the Grand Canyon on the way home from a trip to California. My husband and children had never seen it, and although I was raised in California, I had only been there a couple of times myself. It was late in the day in the middle of July and the horizon was a little hazy due to some low clouds. I knew I only had about 2 hours left to get any shots, as it was getting dark.Lighting
The lighting was coming and going because of the clouds. I had actually walked by this formation because of the lighting, but decided to go back when the sun was starting to set and I got a whole different perspective. The lighting was hitting the formation instead of the canyon behind.Equipment
I used a Canon XTi, with no flash and a wide angle lens. I didn't have my tripod with me so I had to balance my camera on another set of rocks. It was a little tricky finding where to put it because of the angle, but sometimes nature gives you a gift.Inspiration
Ansel Adams inspired this one; he had an amazing eye. I find I am inspired by so many people as well as the shot itself. I appreciate the advice I have gotten from other photographers, and I will continue to be thankful for every inspiration I come across, whether it's my mom who first put a camera in my hand, my children who lift me up when I need it, other photogs, or the beauty in everyday life. There's an inspiration in every moment.Editing
I usually have to go back and make some corrections, as I continue to learn; but, I knew with this particular photo I wanted it in B&W from the beginning, so that's what I did. I checked the lighting in Photoshop and made some corrections in the saturation so when I got it in B&W, the shadows fell just right.In my camera bag
I'm sure as I become more advanced, I'll carry a lot more options, but as of right now, I carry my Canon XTi, with 4 lenses (35-80mm, 18-55mm, 55-250mm and aspherical Di 17-35mm wide angle lens) and my monopod. I also carry at least 2 4GB CF cards and a battery charger with an extra battery, because you just never know! I carry a big bag, then depending on what I'm shooting, I put what I really need in a smaller bag to make it easier. I was driving down a dirt road on my way to work about 10 years ago and the sun shone its rays right through the trees. I had to stop to get that shot, so I was really glad to have my gear. Nothing stinks more that accidentally coming across a beautiful opportunity and not having your cameras.Feedback
Just because you are ready to take a shot on any given day, doesn't mean nature is ready. Sometimes you have to wait. Here in the South, the running joke is "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes". That can be so true. And sometimes you have to create your moment; move to another angle, see where the lighting looks best, maybe you'll see what you wanted to capture differently if you move. I love the way the morning light dances off the water, or the way the setting sun casts its shadows, but my object and the sun aren't going to move on my account, so I have to. My main advice would be, to take your shots the way YOU like them. Unless you are getting paid by someone who has very specific instructions, take the picture YOU love, not to impress anyone else. Be patient and don't get too discouraged if your work only gets a passing glance by a few people, because someone will love what you do. Photography is art, and art is its own beautiful creation which only lives because of the heart of the photographer.
