Witchcraft
The beauty of a Lake Tahoe sunset is absolute magic!
The beauty of a Lake Tahoe sunset is absolute magic!
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Jul, 2014Views
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Exceptional Contrast
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
One Of A Kind
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1Categories
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am from Los Angeles but consider myself a "part time" local of Lake Tahoe, which is where this image what shot. Kings Beach, California to be more specific.Time
This was captured just as the sun reached the horizon at sunset.Lighting
Extreme differences in light from brights to darks caused me to take two exposures to be masked together in Photoshop. I used a circular polarizer to cut glare on the water but adjusted it to allow for pleasing reflections of the light filtering through the cloud breaks. The translucent effect of the light breaking through the clouds really struck me so I composed the image to feature that area center frame.Equipment
Canon 5D Mk III, Canon 16-35 2.8L II, Hoya Evo Polarizing Filter, Really Right Stuff tripod & head, remote releaseInspiration
This is a favorite spot of mine year round with changing conditions every day and lake levels exposing the rocks in different ways. On this evening the storm moving eastward was breaking over the horizon, yet winds had subsided allowing the water to smooth. The reflection of light off of the glassy surface was striking creating a mirror like effect. There were so many lovely transitions here that drew me into the scene. This piece was captures just prior to another favorite piece of mine but they have differences that set them apart from each other.Editing
Lightroom adjustments for capture sharpening, lens correction, and basic adjustments. Photoshop used to mask the two exposures together, adjust the mid tones & highlights and sharpen for web. I also use luminosity channel selections to dodge and burn highlights and shadows.In my camera bag
I'm a gadget girl at heart so my bag is always full. It makes me happy except when I'm climbing up that steep hill. Camera, various lenses (I'm a huge believer in renting lenses I don't own to fit whatever situation I will be in), Lee ND & grad filters (can't get enough long expo water shots), remote release, Hoodman loop, multiple flashlights, Pano head and nodal slide for panoramas, extra batteries & memory cards, extra lens cloths (I'm always loosing those) sunscreen & lip balm...small weatherproof speaker (I love music when I'm shooting but not headphones. I don't want that bear sneaking up on me.)Feedback
Work fast and change don't be afraid to change compositions. This image was taken 3 minutes before another favorite image of mine. The two have very different colors because the light was shifting and changing so quickly and also have a different feeling because I shift perspective slightly. I love them both and am glad I kept moving.
