Waterlogged
Dec, 2014Views
436
Likes
Awards
Thumbs Up
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
All Star
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank
Top 20 rankCategories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in the very scenic Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge (ESVNWR) after a storm. The refuge is located near the southern tip of the peninsula on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. It has been a favorite place for wetlands scenics for many years. I go there often as I never know what surprises await.Time
In my experience, early morning tends to be a little better than late afternoon at this location. This image was made just after sunrise between 6:30 and 7:00AM. I am facing approximately west.Lighting
The light was neither unusual nor harsh. It was rather an easy task to compose and shoot without a great deal of forethought or special camera settings. The color, even though the boat is mostly white, spoke volumes to me and honestly, I think I had taken two or three frames before I realized what a special opportunity this was.Equipment
All my digital cameras are Nikon. My lenses are a mix of Nikkor and Sigma. Taken in 2006, this image was made in a Nikon D70 with a Sigma 12-24/4.5-5.6 attached. I did not use any flash, filtration, exposure compensation, or other aids.Inspiration
I wish I could present you the panoramic vistas that encompass this simple scene. Ansel Adams often said, "... before and after a storm". Sure enough, the light, the position of this old derelict, the color of the grasses, the stillness and reflections all combine to beg for someone to make this image. I couldn't not do it. To me this picture evokes all the goodness and the sadness that is the waterman's life on the Chesapeake and the barrier islands of the Atlantic. In the nearly ten years since I took this I have not taken a scenic or a lifestyle image that moves me more.Editing
This was taken on one of those rare days when hotspots, shadows, and dynamic range just did not present the problems we all know they can. Keep in mind that this was 2006 and post-processing did not offer the range of features we have today. Still, I did do some minimal tweaks but just minimal I promise.In my camera bag
As I said earlier, all my DSLRs are Nikon and my lenses are a nice mix of Nikkor and Sigma. When I go shooting, usually alone, I try to go with a purpose. For scenics, sunrises, and sunsets I take a D800 and a D800E. On one I use a Sigma 12-24/4-5.6 or a Nikkor 14-24/2.8. I have a group of ND filters and filter holders to help me with the long exposures I like to take most of the time. Occasionally I use a Sigma 8mm or 15mm fisheye. On the other body I use a Nikkor 24-70/2.8 or a 70-200/2.8 VR II. For florals and other close work I use the D800 or D800E and a Sigma macro (I have all of Sigma's macro lenses). The 150/2.8 OS with a Nikon R1C1 ringlight is my favorite. For birds and other wildlife I use a mix of bodies and lenses depending on the conditions and the location. I choose a camera body from among the D3, D3X, D800, D800E. For lenses I use a Nikkor 200-400, Nikkor 200/2 (with TCs), Sigma 500/4.5, and Sigma 300-800/5.6. For tripods I always have two big ones ready to go, one with a Kirk ballhead, and one with a Wimberley gimbal.Feedback
Be persistent! I understand how family, career, and life can keep you from shooting as often as you'd like. Still, be patient and visit often those places where you can get unusual or special images. If you know of a place like this where you can get close to an old boat, old car, buildings, ruins, anything you like. Sometimes I just drive or walk around where I live and look for places and things to shoot without a camera. My advice ... Go often. Go at different times of the day and carefully evaluate the light. Take lots of images on each visit. Experiment, evaluate, shoot some more. You'll get there.
