Lamar Valley, Yellowstone
Apr, 2010Views
2020
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Awards
Winner in Snowy Landscapes Photo Challenge
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Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
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Exceptional Contrast
Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.Time
about 10am.Lighting
The day was crispy cold, with just a bit of crystallized snow drifting about. The snow clouds were low to the ground, blotting out the bright blue skies in places. The snow crystals helped to lighten the shot.Equipment
Canon EOS Rebel XTi (my first camera!) and a borrowed 200L lens. Hand held.Inspiration
I was looking out over the scene and wondering how I could capture it. I loved how the snow cause the background to fade into nothing. I was heavily influenced by the Rule of Thirds, and felt that the solitary tree, standing sentinel, was perfect for giving weight to the shot. It was so solitary, and the weather conditions just added to the sense of loneliness.Editing
In Lightroom 2, I lightened it just a tiny bit, changed it to black and white, bumped up the contrast. I think there may have been some cropping off the bottom.In my camera bag
As little as possible! I now have a newer Canon 70D with a 300L and a 1.4 extender. Throw in some lens cleaning supplies, extra batteries and cards, and a Manfrotto/Bushnell hybrid tripod and that's about it!Feedback
I shoot mostly wildlife, and though I appreciate landscapes, I've never felt confident in taking those kinds of pictures. If you see a landscape scene that strikes you in some intrinsic way, even if you can't put a finger on it, shoot it anyway. Take it from several positions, change out your f stop and ISO settings. Think about things like, "Do I want this whole scene to be crisp and clear, or do I want a heavy depth of field?" When I shot this scene, I saw right away what I wanted. Sometimes, you don't see it until you get home and bring it up on your computer. And whatever you do- PLEASE be careful when applying HDR to your pictures. If you are too heavy on the controls, your shot can look like a very amateur postcard picture and can have a devastating effect on an otherwise beautiful scene. HDR is supposed to enhance, not control a photo.
