DSC_9872_near_Montepulciano
Early morning light, Tuscany, Italy
Early morning light, Tuscany, Italy
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Jun, 2013Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
From 17-23 of April 2013 I was having a photo tour in Tuscany, Italy for its undulating and picturesque landscape. This photo was taken during the blue hour, when I was driving from Sinalunga to Pienza via SP135 express way searching for any photogenic scenes.Time
When passing the little town Montepulciano between Sinalunga and Pienza, a farm house just near the side of the road with Cypress trees and the vine yards as its backdrop caught my attention. One can just easily miss it when driving by quickly. I guess being an early bird that morning made me slow in driving and so I got that one second time in my brain to process the scene. I stoped my car and stepped out to view the farm land. It was a shame, the light was bad and dull. Nevertheless, I felt strongly it will be a very nice picture when the lights are in place. And so I decided to come back the next day when the weather should be better according to the forecast. And yes, I must be lucky, the next day, about the same time in the blue hour the farm house enjoyed the sun from behind. And there you have the long shadows of Cypress trees and the golden rays painted on the dark trees surrounding the vine yards in the back.Lighting
The light from behind the Cypress trees at the side of the farm house is such a dramatic and good example as to what light can do. It is not only important for exposure, but also adding so interesting element to the composition. Just imagine the same picture without the long shadows of Cypress tress. I guess the lesson I learned here is to take the advantage of "let the light do the painting" in your picture.Equipment
I used a Nikon D800 mounted on a tripod. The farm house was not far away from the side of the road but did appear too small on a 24-70mm Nikkor. This picture was taken using a 70-200mm Nikkor. No flash was needed.Inspiration
I was aiming at shooting the farm land and vine yards in Tuscany. Just how am I supposed to do it, I had no idea but definitely not similar scenes that have been shot million of times already. So vaguely what I had in mind was a scene that shows the Tuscany countryside with a bit of its uniqueness. I think this picture makes that call for me.Editing
Yes, I used photoshop to enhance the tones and hues of color. This particular picture is also cropped in square as personally, I think it looks better than in rectangle.In my camera bag
I normally carry my Nikon D800 with two Nikkor lens: 24-70mm and 70-200mm. A tripod is basically indispensable, unless I am lazy. A circular polariser is helpful, too. It cuts out the junk light and haze of the atmosphere and creats a crisper and clearer photograph.Feedback
When it comes to landscape photography, patience and composition with imagination works best for me. Shoot it twice or more on different days and times at the same place helps to test the imagination. Often times it is rewarding.
