The Sands of Time
Old Diamond Mining ghost town as sunrise. Taken over by the rapidly shifting sands of the dessert.
Old Diamond Mining ghost town as sunrise. Taken over by the rapidly shifting sands of the dessert.
Read less
Read less
Dec, 2015Views
106
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Spring Selection Award
Way To Go
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
As a novice photographer with a new mirrorless camera this experience was something new. This was one of many photos taken in the old diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop in Namibia.Time
We had a 4:00am start to be one of the first at the gates when they opened at 5:00am. You needed to be there just as the sun was rising to get the light inside the buildings, just at the right angle to do the photos justice. As the run rose it became harder and harder to get good photos, and one hard to jostle for the right spot to take the photos due to the increasing numbers of photographers present.Lighting
Light was the most important aspect, and one could only rely on whatever natural light was coming whatever openings there were at the time. I wanted to capture the depth and extent of the sand as it flowed into the various rooms. As the run rose the lighting was quickly lost and the scenes became dull. Due to the large number of people around artificial lighting was not an option.Equipment
This photo was shot hand held on a Sony a6000 mirrorless camera with Sony 18-200 lens, or my now travel lens. It allows me to be flexible and not need to change lenses, but does not give me the zoom I sometimes need, but good for these type of shots.Inspiration
I like taking photos of old towns and buildings, and Kolmonskop is unique. The variety and opportunity for a great story is definitely on offer here.Editing
I have used some Lightroom, colour enhancing to bring out the colours, and have cropped a small amountIn my camera bag
My camera, my travel lens, variable ND filter, batteries, cleaning gear where all I had at the time. I now have an off camera flash and remote control. I like to travel light.Feedback
The timing of the light is so very important in photos like this, unless you have the chance to do a private shoot and bring your own lighting. Getting down low, and the right angle can make all the difference. I learnt a lot from this visit. I would love to go back not that I have a little bit more experience and I am sure my would get much better shots. Also knowing a little about where you are going so you can plan which buildings will give you the best light as the sun rises.
