backcountry-storm-clouds_ph_mike_kotowski
After a 6 mile hike to gain our targeted 7000' peak we set up camp, enjoyed our surroundings and watched as the clouds came over us, soon it was pouring rain, b...
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After a 6 mile hike to gain our targeted 7000' peak we set up camp, enjoyed our surroundings and watched as the clouds came over us, soon it was pouring rain, bolts of lightning were fired off left and right, and right above us! The thunder shook our souls. We were in God's great back-country. As the storm headed east, the sun shinned from the west but only for a few fleeting moments, then it set. It was during those moments the pay off for hiking out my Canon 1ds, a couple batteries,and a Canon 15mm f2.8 fish-eye lens had come. I shot until it was dark, I felt truly blessed during this glorious show, it was amazing.
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Oct, 2013Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this photo in the Trinity Alps while on a backpacking trip.Time
During the late evening also known as "The Golden Hour". The Sun began to set behind a mountain peak to the west (left side of the frame) towards the east everything was glowing.Lighting
Awaken. Be conscious of whats going on around you. Pay attention and be aware of what the stars (the sun is a star) and planets are doing. Where are the shadows? Where have they been and where will the go? Is there a breeze blowing the clouds above? Take advantage of the clouds and the fog they can be your best friend if your in need of a giant diffuser, cast shadows filling, voids, or wait for sun to pop though to make the world glow! The photo your about to shoot may look a lot better if you wait a couple hours or get on location a bit earlier as the time of day can really change the look and feel of an image.Equipment
Canon eos 1Ds and the ef 15MM F2.8 fisheye lens, I used a flat rock some pebbles as a tripod.Inspiration
It was an amazing scene!Editing
Yup. It was Converted to grayscale. Also I adjusted the levels, on top of that I fine tuned the brightness and contrast. WHY? When you view this shot in B&W to me it feels much more powerful than if you can see the beautiful colors, in color it appears to be a bit to friendly, but it was such an intense storm that carried a lot of force and I wanted to give is some justice, show people it was angry and traveled with full force.In my camera bag
Well that depends on what I am set out to shoot. If I am hoping in the car or taking a casual walk I take a Canon 7d mark II body a couple batteries and a Tamron 16-300mm 3.5-6.3 zoom lens, its compact and full featured, build in flash, video, SUPER ZOOM LENS! pretty much ready for anything. That is also my setup for backpacking and travel now. If I am going to shoot skating I take a Canon eos 1D mark II, and a 1NRS film body, 15mm fisheye, my diy 28mm tilt shift lens, a 50mm 1.8 a set of vello wireless flash triggers (3) 430ez flashes, flash bracket, RRS bracket, black rapid strap, angle finder B, lens cleaning tools, extra batteries, extra memory cards and film, lots of rechargeable AA batteries, pen and paper, business cards for shooting video I use a xl1s and a gopro and a tripod are also along for the ride. For shooting weddings or events I like the 1d2 and 85mm 1.8 usm lens the canon 7d2 with 16-300 lens, wireless flash setup. for surf photo or wildlife I like to use a 300mm or 500mm lens most of the time using tele converters often as well as a monopod. macro stuff varies extension tubes are great! 1-4 flashes difusers and tripods are often used for macro setup. when shooting climbing I take a 1d2 and a 15mmfisheye, a telephoto lens, monopod tripod and flashes as well. ALWAYS EXTRA BATTERIES!Feedback
Get out side and enjoy the world around you! There is so much to do and so much to see, the more time spent out and about the more opportunities you will have to shoot great photos. Always have your camera with you! "The best camera you can have is the one in your hand!"
