The Falls
Darling Ranges, WA
Darling Ranges, WA
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Oct, 2014Views
721
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 15
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 3
Platinum
oddducksclub1
December 20, 2014
I could stare at this photo all day. The way the clouds hover over the valley, the colors of the sky, and detail of it all. :) its beautiful.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in the Perth hills overlooking the valley of Bells Rapids. I was actually heading to the rapids for a sunrise spot but on the approach I saw the mist and decided for a shot from a higher perspective.Time
There's only two times a day for me now if I'm shooting landscape and its not rocket science to work out which times these might be. Golden hour is simply the best for lighting. 25 minutes either side of sunrise and sunset is now the only time I tend to shoot. Wildlife and macro I will shoot at all hours but for landscape, I want that golden hue, that fire in the sky, that magical moment only sunrise or sunset can offer.Lighting
This particular day was one of those rare shoots were everything falls into place. I had never been to that part of the valley before and was completely knocked out when confronted with sunrise, mist, a waterfall and a dead tree.......magic!! The sky was cloudy and overcast at first but then the sun rose and peered through were it could creating a moody and magical scene. The mist was the cherry on the cake!Equipment
For this shot I used a Nikon D7100 mounted on an Altra Pro tripod with Vangaurd pistol grip ball head with a built in trigger release. Also used a 0.9 ND Grad to balance the exposure. I also used exposure compensation of -1 ev to combat that mist.Inspiration
What inspired me to take this photo? Everything! I had hills, mist, a waterfall and dead tree plus a moody sky illuminated by the day's first light. I really could'nt go wrong! To be witness to such a beautiful scene in such amazing conditions is truly inspirational.Editing
To obtain as much detail as possible and to do Mother Nature justice, I shot this image in raw. I used Elements to process the image tweaking the contrast and clarity to enhance the detail in the rock and a little dodge and burning to reveal some texture in the running water. Sharpness was slightly adjusted to complete the image.In my camera bag
I normally carry way too much! I know if I'm going to shoot landscape to carry a tripod and filters, wide angle lens and a telephoto but then I will think "maybe there will be an Osprey hunting in the morning light"and so then I pack another body fitted with a Sigma 150-500! Needless to say, most of my days out shooting are a great workout!Feedback
To capture a scene like this you have to use a tripod. Light conditions will only permit a slow shutter speed so a good solid tripod is essential. Cable release or using the camera's self timer will also help. An aperture of f16 will give maximum deph of field giving an image with good sharpness front to back. Filters are also a must in these lighting conditions as the sky is so much brighter than the foreground and an ND Grad will balance out the exposure. Check your histogram also as this gives the most accurate account as to whats going on. Lastly, review your shots closely on your computer. Look for things that didn't quite work out. Exposure, composition, sharpness etc and think how this can be improved. Research the net for tutorials and inspiration then get out there and shoot some more!
