IMG_0539
Jan, 2015Views
157
Likes
Awards
Brilliant
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 2Top 30 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona while I was visiting during the summertime. This particular photo was taken in the Papago Park, which is right next door to the Phoenix Zoo.Time
My best friend and I decided to go for an (somewhat) early morning hike. I think we must have been crazy, because it was around 9:00 a.m. and it was already 95 degrees. Even though I am originally from Phoenix, I had not been exposed to the hot weather in a very long time, and my friend had never been to the hot desert. (We were down visiting from northern New York.) This shot was taken in the middle of our walk, around 9:45 a.m.Lighting
I cannot really say that I was paying much attention to the lighting. It was early enough that the sun was not directly overhead, casting harsh shadows or highlights in the picture. I really was just looking for the perfect area to take a great shot that the sun did not interfere with, but yet still give me the bright blue sky and the water reflections.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon Rebel 2ti, using an 18-55mm lens. The ISO was set at 200, f-stop at f/14, and the exposure time was at 1/160 sec. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
Before I took my trip to Phoenix, I searched the internet to find things to do and places to go. I know that I used to live there, but I had never really gotten out and experienced all that the desert city has to offer. Anyhow, Papago Park came up in my search; I had seen so many beautiful pictures attached to it. I just knew that I had to see it in person and create my own photo(and memories).Editing
Honestly, I do not consider myself a professional by any means. I just love to make beautiful pictures. While I am continually trying to further educate myself on proper exposure, composition, post-processing, and other photography related things, I am not quite where I could (or should) be. So, with that being said, no, I did not do any post-processing.In my camera bag
I have only just within the past year delved into DSLR photography, so I really only have the very basics in my bag. My Canon Rebel 2ti body (which I soon hope to upgrade) is obviously an essential along with the 18-55mm lens that it came with. I also have a Canon EF-S 70-300mm lens that I use sometimes. There is a polarizing filter and a neutral density filter somewhere in the bag. I have a non-Canon speedlight (but at the moment I do not remember what the brand is) that has come in handy for some portrait (and non-portrait) shots.Feedback
Just like most photographers will tell you, dawn and dusk are prime photo taking opportunities. I obviously did not shoot this at either of those times, however it was still early enough in the day that the sunlight was not too harsh. I would say that in order to capture a shot like this, one should go early enough in the morning to avoid harsh lighting and yet still be able to capture the bright blue of the sky and the reflection of the trees and other scenery.
