michaelkirch

LongJi Rice Terraces

Just days before the golden rice was harvested, this image captured the mystical otherworldliness that still emanates from Da Zhai Village. ...
Read more

Just days before the golden rice was harvested, this image captured the mystical otherworldliness that still emanates from Da Zhai Village.
Read less

Nov, 2015

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken atop the Long Ji Rice Terraces in the Guangxi province of China. I was tagging along with a friend of mine who guides photographers around the Guilin area of China, renowned for its picturesque mountains and rivers.

Time

We began climbing the terraced mountain in the evening to prepare for a sunrise shot the next day. Halfway up the mountain, I looked back and saw this scene and stopped to capture it right at dusk.

Lighting

Because these terraces are often shrouded by clouds drifting through the valleys, over exposure is always a risk. In order to get as much detail in the mountains as possible, I bracketed 3 shots at 1EV and merged them in Lightroom.

Equipment

I had a D700 with me that day with a 50mm 1.8G. Because we had a long way to hike and had little time before dark, I didn't set up a tripod. Thankfully I was able to handhold well enough to keep things sharp.

Inspiration

As I climbed the terraces I passed clusters of wooden houses, many also serving as guesthouses for travelers. Most panoramic images of the terraces showcase the incredible topography, but the houses often drown in the middle of the huge landscape. With this image, I wanted to bring the beauty of the mountains together with presence of the people living there.

Editing

Because the cloud cover on the mountains was several stops lighter than the foreground, I bracketed 3 images and combined using Lightroom's HDR merge. I then increased the clarity a bit to bring a bit more detail out of the mountains, and adjusted curves to exaggerate the misty feeling in the sky.

In my camera bag

Since takin this photo, I've transitioned to mirrorless as my work has recently included more video projects. I always have my Sony A6000 and 50mm 1.8 for a lightweight tele option, and when I need something wider, I'll pack a A7II and 16-35mm F4 Zeiss. I live overseas and often need to carry my gear for hours at a time, so simplicity and weight savings are the goal.

Feedback

Although many (or most) landscapes are best captured at wide angles, some landscapes hold a secret view that only longer focal lengths can see. If you notice multiple layers overlapping from the foreground the the background, try grabbing something 50mm or longer and compress those layers together so they don't shrink away on the horizon.

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michaelkirch

michaelkirch

LongJi Rice Terraces

Just days before the golden rice was harvested, this image captured the mystical otherworldliness that still emanates from Da Zhai Village. ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow michaelkirch

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Just days before the golden rice was harvested, this image captured the mystical otherworldliness that still emanates from Da Zhai Village. ...
Read more

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Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.