IMG_4051
Mar, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken on a remote, northernly beach on the western Scottish island of Islay. I actually stumbled across the location by accident whilst exploring the island with a group of friends. Unfortunately, I have never been able to identify the exact location since. I guess that is just part of the game when photos go unplanned.Time
Given daylight in mid-winter in Scotland is relatively short it was probably only about 3pm but the sun had already started to set. I just remember the sun starting to drop down when a really strong wind picked up of the sea causing all of the group (including me after taking this shot) to dive behind some huge black boulders for cover.Lighting
I wanted this image to reflect the power that the stormy winter seas are capable of producing. The lighting was tricky to get quite right since the background was relatively dark but with faint rays of sunshine poking through. Fortunately I was using a 50mm prime lense with F1.8 so getting a decent aperture and shutter speed which could balance out the light and contrast was possible.Equipment
So this was shot on a Canon 600D with one of the best lenses I have ever used, the understated 50mm prime f1.8. I absolutely love it as a lense for its versatility as it can be used as a brilliant landscape shots but also works superbly as a portrait lense particularly for close ups. No tripod was used but I did manage to balance the camera on a small rock, compose using the LCD screen then shoot using a 5 sec delay timer on the camera. This was to help lower the ISO a bit and aide the overall angle of composition.Inspiration
I was inspired to try and capture the sheer power and beauty in the winter storms that, every year batter the western coast and islands of Scotland.Editing
I have a very simple, maybe even old fashioned ethic of always trying to capture images in their raw format, unfiltered, unedited. I actually left the image completely as it was taken to try and portray the raw colour and light balance already present.In my camera bag
I always prefer to travel and shoot fast and light. So all I carry is a Canon 600D with a 18-55mm and 50mm prime lenses. The 18-55 is almost permanently attached to my camera. As an self-taught amateur and student (limited kit budget) I am always amazed by the levels of capability even standard kit lenses have these days. For some specific shots especially in low light I will switch to the prime lense. I also love the fact that spending time shooting with a prime lense (no zoom) forces you to often take your best shots ever since your composition has to be perfect to produce the right kind of shot. I thoroughly recommend anyone at any level from disaster to master have a play around with a prime lense. The last bit of kit I will bring out is a circular polariser for particularly sunny days, although these are rare in Scotland!! Lastly, I have just bought by first tripod made by Slik the other day, and this is after shooting photos for roughly 4 years now so I am excited to see what results this will bring! Stay tuned!Feedback
Photos like this which are sporadic, spontaneous and unplanned to point often require speed, creativity and some optimism! I took half an hour to compose, re-compose and wait for the right waves, light and timing to get the shot. The best advice I can offer is probably to get a big down jacket, flask of tea and a bag of patience. Keep trying, keep shooting and the results will come. Also, remember in low light a stable surface like a rock is your best friend (if no tripod) and try to balance your ISO out with the scene at large. Try to go as low as you can with the ISO to help produce the sharpest image you can and always always shoot in raw. An aperture like f2.0 or 1.8 will also help if the light is very low so a fast lense or a prime will be a definite advantage. Any further questions on any of my shots please feel free to just ask, happy to help.
