first light 2014
I started a first light series back in 2010, and it seems that odd years are not as photogenic as even years. When I woke at 4 am on New Years Day, 2015, there...
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I started a first light series back in 2010, and it seems that odd years are not as photogenic as even years. When I woke at 4 am on New Years Day, 2015, there were no clouds in the sky. I just cannot fathom shooting a sunrise without clouds. That is like eating chips without guacamole!
This was from NY Day 2014.
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This was from NY Day 2014.
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Feb, 2015Views
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Awards
People's Choice in Enchanting Waterscapes Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Enchanting Waterscapes Photo Contest
Winner in Simple Yet Amazing Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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debcoimages
June 27, 2015
Stunningly beautiful image. Congrats on your well deserved finalist place Edward!
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chrishoffman
July 22, 2015
Beautiful capture of the bay . I live about 30 miles from there in Solomons Island.
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
North Beach, MarylandTime
Crack of Dawn on New Years Day, 2014Lighting
What can I say, other than the morning was ideal? Just the right amount of clouds and a slow breeze, combined with the clarity of a winter atmosphere.Equipment
Canon 5DMKII and an EF 17-40 f/4L. However, the most important piece of equipmetn was the Lee Foundation filter holder. Within it resided a BigStopper and a SinghRay RGND. For the layman, the BigStopper is a 10 stop neutral density filter, and the SinghRay RGND (Daryl Benson) is a 4 stop reverse gradient neutral density filter. This combination allowed me to keep the shutter open for 4 minutes to capture this exposure.Inspiration
Every year, I try to do a "First Light" series of photos. It seems that the weather only co-operates every other year. Nothing inspires me more than to welcome the new year by watching the sun rise and to commemorate the occasion through my lens. This new day was worth waking with a sever hangover!Editing
As always, RAW conversion in Lightroom and some contrast enhancements. A 4 minute exposure also adds some additional noise reduction to the workflow. Some hot pixels had to be cloned out, along with a little color correction.In my camera bag
Canon 5DMKII, Canon 7D and occasionally a Life Pixel modified T1i. Canon 17-40 f/4L or 24-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f/2.8L ISII, Canon 50mm f/1.4 Lee Filter system, Lee GND filters, SinghRay RGND Yongnou wireless triggers Wrigleys Cobalt gum.Feedback
Filters and timing. To capture cloud movement like this, a long exposure is a must. A 4 minute exposure like this one requires the use of a DARK neutral density filter, hence the Big Stopper. 10 stops. That is a lot of calculations to get the exposure correct, add to it, a small amount of luck and intuition. First, get a baseline exposure without a filter in place. Then you can do the math, or look at the cheat sheet that Lee provides with the Big Stopper. I do both, and then add some intuition. I have been taking long exposures long enough that I intuitively know the timing by looking at horizon. Until then, practice, use the cheat sheet, and practice some more. Trust me, I made a many under and over exposed images while learning this aspect of the craft. The real advise, however, is that you need clouds. You need clouds. Not just clouds, but the right clouds. A thick marine layer will destroy the sunrise colors, leaving you with, well, some choice words and wishing that you slept in. You also need light winds to move the clouds. Too much wind and your pod will shake. Not enough and you will have blurry clouds without movement. Study the forecast and cross your fingers. Get on site well before dawn. Your window will be small, so make sure your camera is set on bulb with a remote shutter ready. For a shot like this, under or over exposed images cannot be saved in post, so make the exposure count.
