Light Rays
Sep, 2013Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was captured among the ponderosa and pinon pines of the Coconino National Forest, just outside Flagstaff, Arizona. Many people think of Arizona as a land of cactus and desert, rattlesnakes and tumbleweeds. However, the state has an incredibly diverse range of biomes, ranging arid, low desert to tundra at the highest elevations. The Northern part of the state is at a much higher elevation than the Southern part is, as it sits atop the Colorado Plateau.Time
This image was taken as we were breaking down camp after breakfast on a weekend camping outing with our Boy Scout troop. The boys were in the process of putting the fire out, which was throwing a lot of steam into the air in the process. A slight breeze was pushing it east through the trees.Lighting
The steam drifting away on the cool morning breeze was what caught my attention when taking this photo. I was intrigued by the interaction of light and shadow and the dappled texture of the light from the early morning sun being outlined in the steam column as it wafted off.Equipment
This was captured using a Nikon D50 body and a Sigma 18-200 telephoto. hand held, natural light, and honestly it was really just a quick snapshot.Inspiration
I love unusually lit scenes (heavy overcast, storms, deep sunsets, fog, etc). Just the visual texture changes that come with different light are exicting to my inner 5 year old photographer. When I looked up and say the interplay of the steam and the light rays, I knew I need to take a couple pics of it.Editing
This image was caprutrd in color. It was processed in Lightroom for color balance, and then converted to black and white. Aside from that, I applied some sharpness masking and contrast adjustments in photoshop.In my camera bag
My go bag always has my D7000, a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 prime, and my Rokinon 16mm f/2. Depending on what I'm planning to shoot, I will also carry a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 prime, a Sigma 18-200 telephoto, and a Sigma 70-210. Also included is some assorted filters, a 3 color flashlight, vivitar flash, spare batteries, and a "hand me down" aluminum tripod from the 1960's Since I am based in the Sonoran Desert of the Southwestern United States, I also always carry a pair of stainless water bottles that slip easily into the outside pockets of my Lowepro daypack.Feedback
For this particular kind of image, just be aware that even mundane things like putting out a campfire can be an opportunity for taking a great photograph if you keep your eyes open and always watch for opportunities.
