Pier at Sunset
NC
NC
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Jul, 2015Views
2072
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Awards
Action Award
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Featured
Contest Finalist in Dark And Bright Photo Contest
Judge Favorite
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at the Bogue Inlet Pier in NC. It's a favorite spot for portraits and local photographer'sTime
Around 730 pm. Summer sunsets are usually late in the day, so there's plenty of time to plan it.Lighting
Usually when you're doing long exposure photography, many use an ND filter to reduce exposure and create the desired water effect. I took this without an ND filter and let the camera and lens do the rest. Other important things to consider are vibrations from the wind, the incoming waves, and when you press the shutter button. Any tiny vibrations can affect the quality of the picture and ruin it. It may not be to obvious on camera but it will surely show up during processing.Also, look out for people walking the beach.Equipment
I used my Sony A7, tripod, and my only lens for now the standard 28-70 mm lens.Inspiration
It was actually my first time doing long exposure photography with my Sony A7. Since I did not have an ND filter I had to do it around sunset. Besides, it is always a good excuse to do beach photography. You have more to add to a beach photography when you have structures around it. I also have to say that Viewbug's contests and community mad me challenge myself and learn how to do long exposure photography. Viewbug is a great place to get inspired and learn from other photographers.Editing
One common mistake I tend to do is to wipe the lens. Sandy beach means that you will get some artifact's on your picture. Even though I now wipe my lens often, I still check for artifact's. Since the pier is the main objective for this photo, I brushed it so I can bring out the colors and structure of it. I do this to bring the viewer in and make the picture pop. I took extra care and brushed every single piling by magnifying it and making sure I brushed the entire structure properly with out affecting the surrounding's.In my camera bag
I always carry my Sony A7 around with me and have my tripod in the car at all times. Since I'm just starting, I only carry one lens with me. My new additions are a set of lens filter's, a wipe, and an external USB shutter button. A must have for long exposures.Feedback
First look at what you have available. Like me not having an ND filter so I had to go at sunset to limit natural light coming through the lens. Easy way to save some money on filters is buying an adapter for the filters so you can use them on different size lenses. A lens wipe comes very handy, a tripod or stable surface is a must. One thing to consider is an external shutter button to minimize the vibration from pressing down on the camera. This has saved me from retaking long exposures. Most importantly, know the capabilities of your camera.
