Pigeon Point Sunset
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse north of Santa Cruz, CA. I was on a photo walk that day. We arrived in time for sunset and beautiful orange sky....
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The Pigeon Point Lighthouse north of Santa Cruz, CA. I was on a photo walk that day. We arrived in time for sunset and beautiful orange sky.
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Dec, 2015Views
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Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
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Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse north of Santa Cruz, CA.Time
I took this around 6 PM in November 2011. The end of the day and the end of a wonderful photo walk.Lighting
I was really at the mercy of the sunset. Time is never your friend then. There was a great enough distance that I had to work with what I had.Equipment
This was before my current camera. I was still using a Canon PowerShot SX30 IS. No tripod, flash or any other gear.Inspiration
Truthfully, I had no idea where we were going to finish the walk. Since I love to shoot lighthouses so this was not a shot to miss out on. I started shooting as soon as I could.Editing
I know you expect a long process, but I try to minimize editing. The editing I did involved pulling back the shadows and the highlights. After that, it was bringing out the colors of the sky. Thankfully the sky really was that colorful and only needed a nudge.In my camera bag
Today, i always carry a variety of lens filters and of course lenses. My cable release, a extra battery, another SD card (which helped me a few times), lens clothes and a duster. My tripod mount is always on my camera unless I use a monopod.Feedback
Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Early is always better than too late. For a coastal sunset, knowing weather conditions can help. Clouds are always good, but not fog. Arriving early can also help you find the right spot to set up. I try to find a second location just in case. Use your tripod and a remote release and check the settings on your camera. Check ISO, white balance, exposure and so on. Finally, shoot a lot. You can always delete, but you can't go back to re-shoot.
