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Fire in the Sky



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Sunset near Mammoth Lakes, Very little photo editing was needed. The sky was spectacular

Sunset near Mammoth Lakes, Very little photo editing was needed. The sky was spectacular
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2020 Choice Award
Top Choice
rangeoflightimagery AAneda77 michellehansenburgess
Outstanding Creativity
jogreydon marorozco
Superb Composition
Karree tonyberry
Absolute Masterpiece
chrisrgivens
All Star
loveMustangs
Peer Award
margarethwalters

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken outside of Mammoth Lakes, California. I was in the Eastern Sierra doing a fall colors photography trip. We decided to eat dinner in Mammoth. As I was walking into the restaurant, I saw the sky on fire around me. I felt stuck. I was surrounded by sights of urban development and there was no chance for a shot. I was so disappointed that I decided to forget dinner the next night and set up for a shot outside the city. I really hoped that the sky would light up again. I was thrilled with the result.

Time

This was taken just after sundown. The initial photos were of scattered orange clouds. The furthest clouds turned this bright color right at the end of the sunset lighting.

Lighting

I wanted to use contrast in this image. Putting the dark of the mountains up against the fiery sky would make it more dramatic. I zoomed in towards the mountain range and put as much of the sky in the photo as possible.

Equipment

I used a Nikon D300s and a Manfrotto tripod. I used a Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens. Nothing else was used.

Inspiration

My inspiration for this photo came from an opportunity lost. Have you ever been in a place where you see an amazing scene unfold and you can't take a picture? Well that happened to me and I was determined not to let it happen again. I saw the sky light up like this the day before this picture was taken. I was heartbroken to have missed the opportunity. As luck would have it, the lighting was just right for a second night in a row!

Editing

There was very little post processing done in lightroom. I cropped the image and restored the contrast that was lost from the original scene.

In my camera bag

My bag is always packed with three things. I keep a wide angle and zoom lens. I also always travel with a tripod. They are essential for getting dramatic lighting. I also love to have a remote shutter on hand so I don't have to set the timer to reduce any camera shake from my finger pressing the shutter. I used to travel with a pack full of filters but I have found that they are not as necessary unless trying to take long exposure photography. I still use a polarizing filter during those bright sunny days. I also keep an old fashioned notebook in by bag. If there is a certain shot that I have been researching, I bring my notes with me out into the field. I also jot down notes for possible picture locations while I am in the field.

Feedback

One piece of advice. Turn around. You may have scouted what you think will be the money shot. And it might be. But you may be even more amazed at what is happening behind you. This is especially true with sunsets. The sky may be colorful in front of you but I can be on fire behind you. Don't settle for what you set up to shoot. Leave room to be surprised by everything around you.

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