4 image HDR Watson Lake, Prescott AZ
4 image HDR Watson Lake, Prescott AZ
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Sunlight Shine Photo Contest
Zenith Award
Legendary Award
People's Choice in Water is the Mirror Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in The First Light Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Flares In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Unforgettable Landscapes Photo Contest by Zenfolio
Contest Finalist in The Sun Behind Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in HDR Landscapes Photo Contest Explore Series
Featured
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 17 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Mysterious Mornings Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Best Water Shots 2015 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Rock Formations Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Light On Water Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Photographer Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 11
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 13 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 22
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
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Top Ranks
p_eileenbaltz
August 19, 2015
Congratulations on another well-deserved award.......and, good luck.:)
carolcardillo
August 25, 2015
Only 4 Awards on this, this month, Gayle? ;-) Congrats again on being a Finalist!!!!
nandicmb
September 23, 2015
Congratulations on your Contest Finalist win in Best Water Shots 2015 Photo Contest!
carolcardillo
December 21, 2015
VB is going to run out of space for your Awards on this, Gayle! Congrats, again!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Watson Lake is 3 miles from my house in Prescott, AZ. I show up with my camera when it looks like the light or clouds are dramatic. More often than not, I come home without anything. I am very fortunate to have that luxury. There have been times when the light was fabulous and by the time I load up and get down to the location, the lighting has changed (and not for the better!). When I was taking this image, a "point and shoot" tourist was there I told her how very lucky she was, that it wasn't usually like this...Time
Generally when the park opens in the morning. ( from 6am to about 7:30am) Some seasons golden hour is over before the gates open. I'm not too excited about hauling all my gear in from the highway so wait for open hours. Time of year is also significant because the sun only rises directly behind the distant hills in the late winter/early spring months. By summer, it's too far right of this image and doesn't have much of the lake in view when sun is rising.Lighting
With backlighting, in order to get shadow details,it took 4 different exposures to get the sky and shaded side of the rock exposed properly. ND filters can help give a longer exposure. One of the most critical features for me in landscape images is the lighting. It draws me to the shot. Even with all the advances in post-processing software, there simply is NO substitute for amazing lighting.Equipment
I use both Nikon (D800E) and Canon (1DX) cameras because I use different cameras for different shooting situations. Most landscapes I use a 16-24mm wide angle lens. Occasionally a 70-200mm zoom long lens if the subject is too far. A tripod is a burdensome must in order to get HDR and really sharp images. It took several years for me to get it completely into my stubborn head that I had to do it to get the kind of images I wanted. I love taking long exposures using The Big Stopper 10 stop ND filter and sometimes adding a 6 stop filter in addition for really long (up to 5 min.) exposures.Inspiration
It's all about the lighting. This vantage point is my first choice when I think the sky and lighting are optimal. There are usually lots of ducks, geese and herons so if the lighting isn't good, I look for birds. I debated if to remove the ducks (in post) and thought they might blur with HDR. Since they were sharp, they got to stay in the scene. I am like a magnet when it comes to sky color and the impact it has on surrounding scenery.Editing
This was one of the first images I tried using HDR. The shot would not have been possible without multi-exposures. NIK HDR, NIK Color Effects, and Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop software were used. This image didn't need saturation but most usually do.In my camera bag
What I take depends on my "Love Mule"...husband ...If he carries, I load up...a hurkin' "lead weight" 300mm 2.8 lens, Canon 1DX, Nikon 800E, 70-200mm, and 16-24mm wide angle lens. SinceI have an allergic reaction to removing dust spots in post, small packets of lens wipes and a lens pen. If I'm photographing landscapes, 10 stop, 6 stop ND filters and holder. Flashlight and water are essential. I need to learn to use flash...so may have to work out the shoulders before I embark on that one. Most importantly, a sturdy tripod for HDR or long exposures. A monopod is a great option if you get fatigued holding your camera/lens. A wireless remote control with spare batteries, especially for long exposures.Feedback
Good hiking shoes when "rock climbing" with a pack full of heavy gear. Keep an eye on the weather...cloud formations, position of the sun, moon, clouds, time of day (golden/blue hours are best but not always). Try several different perspectives/locations...I notice many photographers set their tripods and stay anchored in the same spot for the entire shoot. When going for reflections, wind conditions need to be taken into consideration. Early morning is usually best at this location. With a sunrise/sunset situation, you only have very small window of time to get the light/sun shot so be early and get set up. Try different settings, exposures. And most importantly...have fun!