Garden of the Gods
Sep, 2015Views
442
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Awards
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Time
I was headed down the the Springs for a Children's Hospital event at a golf course that was just across from the Garden of the Gods. Time was limited but I couldn't not stop at this beautiful place. This picture was taken around 2:45 PM on July 12th, 2015.Lighting
I was headed back to my car and I quickly turned around to take one last look at this beautiful place. The shot was already lined up perfectly and I just so happened to be in the right spot at the right time, for once! The sunlight lit the red rocks perfectly and the clouds filled in the rest of the shot.Equipment
I used my Canon EOS 60D with my 18-135mm lens as well as a tripod. Did not take much equipment and like I said, I was on a time crunch so I quickly snapped this photo and ran back to my car so I would make it to the event on time.Inspiration
I am a Colorado native and I had never been to the Garden of the Gods before because I think of it more as a "tourist trap." After being there, I understood why so many people come here. It is breathtaking. In this picture I feel that I captured the natural beauty of Colorado during the summer. We are known as the sunshine state because Colorado has the most sunny days out of the year compared to all the other states. We are also known for a famous amphitheater called Red Rocks which hosts many different events during the summer. I feel that I just tied this all into one photo and it captures Colorado well.Editing
I really try to refrain myself from editing my pictures too much. Usually I just like to brighten up photos a little bit and increase the contrast. Occasionally I like to enhance the colors but I like to keep my pictures natural.In my camera bag
I like to keep my camera bag packed light. I carry my Canon EOS 60 D body, which is my first camera body so it's my baby. Also, I carry two of my favorite zoom lenses. The Canon EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III USM and the canon EFS 18-135mm. I find that I can get majority of the shots I take with these two lenses. They cover shots from macro up to wildlife hundreds of feet away. Also I make sure to always have my Canon speedlite 430EX II flash because it really brings out people's eyes in portraits or I can make it wireless to light up certain features in landscape shots. Last, I carry many of the little things that can make a huge difference. This includes lens cleaning supplies, extra batteries, lots and I mean lots of SD memory cards, filters, etc.Feedback
I know many photographers plan around lighting and the weather, which works great for some people. I kinda like to just be "in the right spot at the right time." My advice to other photographers is just to find the beauty in everything. If you find yourself in a spot that you get lost in, take a step back and look all around you. Look at the big picture and all the little things that contribute to it. You may just get the perfect shot as well.
