kathyk_abq

Mountain cascade

Small stream cascading through narrowing shoot.

Small stream cascading through narrowing shoot.
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NIKON D40X

settings

Aperture f/16.0 ISO 200 Shutter 10/10 Focal Length 550/10

upload_date

Feb, 2015

Views

388

Likes

+84

Awards

Superb Composition

+17

Top Choice

Peer Award

Absolute Masterpiece

Outstanding Creativity

All Star

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 30 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

We were on a fall trip in Colorado on our way to Crested Butte. We spent a night in Lake City and drove up the Cinnamon Pass road. This wonderful cascade and rock wall cried out to be photographed!

Time

We stopped here mid-afternoon to eat a picnic lunch and take photos.

Lighting

Lighting is always tricky with water - contrasty when the sun is shining. The light was wonderful on the rock wall, though, nice and golden. Setting up a tripod in this spot was awkward, and it was impossible to get the perfect view. I set a small aperture to give more light and softness to the water and also used a polarizer.

Equipment

I was using an older Nikon D40x with wide angle zoom set on a tripod. I always have a polarizer on my lenses and sometimes a ND filter.

Inspiration

I love shooting mountain streams and find the movement of the water mesmerizing and challenging. I also loved this wonderful rock wall with it's lovely colors. Anything in the mountains inspires me!

Editing

I did minimum adjusting for contrast and sharpness.

In my camera bag

I carry two camera bodies, three zoom lenses, a macro lens, remote release, polarizer and ND filters for all lenses, and always have my tripod.

Feedback

I don't think I can tell others how to photograph water. Most would set a low shutter speed to get soft water. I prefer to set my aperture for the DOF I want; this usually gives me the shutter speed needed. If not I set it manually. I also always use a polarizer or ND filter to help with difficult lighting situations and give a longer exposure time for that wonderful cottony-water look - and always a tripod and remote release.

See more amazing photos, follow kathyk_abq

kathyk_abq

kathyk_abq

Mountain cascade

Small stream cascading through narrowing shoot.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow kathyk_abq

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