Layered Hills
Morning scape from Panorama Hill at Sungai Lembing, Kuantan. Climbed it before 4am.
Morning scape from Panorama Hill at Sungai Lembing, Kuantan. Climbed it before 4am.
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Mar, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at top of Panorama Hill, in Sungai Lembing village, Kuantan, Malaysia. Initiall I went there for a local cosplay event, but as I rarely have chance to travel the distance to this place, I told myself to get this chance to shoot some landscape and perhaps starscapes as well (a separate photo I uploaded). This hill is not high, but is always an interesting spot for local hikers and there are tour buses coming from cities as well.Time
It took me 4 and half hours to drive to this location from where I stay. I reached the location and started climbing in the morning, about 4am. Was exploring the top of the hill in the darkness, and took some star scapes that features a dim milkyway. When the dawn approaches, it brings a myriad of colours into the scene. This shot was taken on March 15, about 7am.Lighting
As sun rises, I noticed how the rising sunlight affects the clouds in the distance and caused interesting textures. The morning fog in the forestry below also starts to develop interesting layers. After a while fiddling with different exposures and some shots, changed my UWA lens to 50mm, and look for new composition that place emphasis on the distant hill, with layered terrain and clouds as foreground and backdrops.Equipment
I used Sony NEX-6 and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D (with adapter), a Slik Sprint Pro II while taking this shot.Inspiration
Before sunrise I was using UWA lens to capture all the scenes before me, as dawn gets brighter I decided to get a closer look at the distant features, hence I took out my 50mm. It turns out quite well. While I was framing to take the shot, I tried different compositions including in portrait orientation, although this is landscape. In the end I picked this as it is able to show more of the cloud lines, and cover enough of the layered foreground.Editing
I do touch up using Lightroom. I adjusted the exposure sliders, moved clarity slider to right, and use tone curve with an S shape to adds contrast. I have adjusted the vibrant slider slightly to the right. I applied noise reduction and default sharpening, and also fringing (present or not). I then use Photoshop for the watermark.In my camera bag
Depending on the types of photoshoot and subject I expected, the gears in my bag varies. I normally carry NEX-6 and pair with either one of legacy lenses or cross system lenses: as Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D, Vivitar 135mm f/2.8, Helios 44-2 58mm f/2; and a6000 with any two of native mount and A mount lenses: Sigma 30mm f/2.8, Minolta 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6, with LA-EA2, I always bring my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8; I have Amaran LED light, HVL43m, and YN560iv for lighting needs, during portraiture sessions.Feedback
I am not sure any advice I could give, as I am in process of learning as well. I guess the tips shared by others would be helpful, as I look for theirs. Preplanning, it is best to get prepared, know how is the destination by checking online or ask around folks; determine the stuffs to bring such as torchlight, bug repellent, some biscuits; check the weather condition; patience and persistence for the right timing.
