Sunset Over the Bay
Mar, 2014Views
424
Likes
Awards
Top Shot Award 22
Great Shot
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Jaw Dropping
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Top 20 rank
Top 20 rankTop 30 rank week 1Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Island Beach State Park, NJ overlooking the Barnegat Bay. I have always photographed the ocean from the park, so this was a new perspective for me.Time
This photo was taken just before sunset. I had been driving through the park watching the light when I found this perfect little turn off that gave me this amazing view.Lighting
Because it was so close to sunset, the light was changing really fast. I didn't have my tripod this day, so I was forced to hand hold. I bracketed my shots in 1 stop increments to be sure that I would get the perfect exposure. I knew that I wanted to capture more of a silhouette, so I made sure to underexpose just a bit.Equipment
Canon EOS 7D with 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens. Manual settings at ISO 400, Focal Length 85mm, shutter 1/640 at F10.Inspiration
I have seen many traditional sunset landscape images and I wanted to do something a little different. I was driving through the park watching the light, and when I saw this spot, I just knew I wanted it to be a silhouette. I chose to make it even less traditional by capturing it in portrait mode instead of landscape, so that more of the sky and clouds would be visible. The swirl in the sky definitely makes the image.Editing
Because I bracketed my exposures to get the best results in camera, I did no post processing to the image other than to add a watermark.In my camera bag
I always carry two lenses with me in addition to Canon EOS 7D body so that I am prepared for all situations, 28-135 f3.5-5.6 and 70-300 f3.5. I also carry my Canon Speedlight 430EX with wireless trigger and light stand. I always have my remote shutter release for long exposures, microfiber cloth, lens cleaning kit, a soft towel to wipe off ocean spray or precipitation, a small led flashlight, a pack of gum and a few bottles of water to stay hydrated. I tend to lose track of time, so the water is essential to me.Feedback
The best piece of advise I can give to any landscape photographer is to arrive early and have plenty of patience. Know your equipment, since especially when shooting at sunrise or sunset, the light changes fast and you need to be able to react to those changes in order to get the right exposure. When in doubt, bracket your exposure by 1/2 - 1 stop to give you a variety of exposures... and always shoot in RAW.
