tyshults

The Lake at dusk

Canon EOS REBEL T3i

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 100 Shutter 1/250 Focal Length 55/1

upload_date

Sep, 2015

Views

470

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+23

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Behind The Lens

Location

My family and I were out for a drive one evening and decided to see what the sunset would be like at at this campground near our home. I took this photo standing on a dock on the back side of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in southern Illinois.

Time

It was a beautiful, early fall evening and the sun was beginning to set when we arrived at the campground. I realized just how vibrant and beautiful the sunset itself was going to be, but was pleasantly surprised at how perfectly the lake reflected the sky!

Lighting

Although I took several photos as the sun was setting, this one was my favorite as it reflected not only the sunset, but also the brilliant blue of the coming night sky.

Equipment

I was shooting with a Canon Rebel EOS t3i. I did not use any flash or other lighting, but I did have my tripod, which I decided to use for a clearer photo. I was using my Canon kit lens, an 18-55mm lens.

Inspiration

I love water and sunsets! On this evening, I piled the family in the car and decided to go for a drive. We ended up at the campground to see if there was anything exciting to shoot and, if not, to just enjoy the sunset on the lake before heading back home. I took several photos of the family, the docks, a Great Blue Heron and the water, but then the sunset began to intensify. So I set up for this shot and really loved how the colors came out.

Editing

I used a free download version of Intensify to get the colors to match what I had seen physically of the sunset. That's the only post processing I did.

In my camera bag

When I'm out just looking around, as I was this night, I carry my full kit. It includes a carbon fiber tripod, Canon Rebel t3i camera body, several filters and my lenses. The lenses I have are the two kit lenses: an 18-55mm and a 75-300mm. I also carry a 50 mm prime lens, a 50 mm macro lens and a 10-22mm wide angle lens. All of my lenses are Canon lenses. I carry extra batteries, chargers and a few cleaning items as well, since I like to take nature photos and that can get messy! I also have a compact, lightweight poncho that goes wherever my camera goes. It's come in handy for keeping not only myself dry, but also my gear. I can shoot in misty conditions and even light rain using the poncho to protect the camera, but allowing me to still take photos.

Feedback

Pay attention to the sky and the sunset. You can frequently tell by cloud patterns and sky color how the sunset will be. But even if you can't, just get out there. At the very least you'll be experiencing nature and all its beauty and at the most, you'll get to take some awesome shots! Either way, you're winning. I would add, though, that practicing is always good, so take pictures anyway and always have fun!

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tyshults

tyshults

The Lake at dusk

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow tyshults

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