LaJolla sunset
Jan, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken at sunset on LaJolla Cove Beach, California. I left the crowded sandy beach and tracked off to the tide pools to find that perfect spot. I set up my tripod and camera in front of a nice rock and sat down and waited for the magic to happen. It was my first time there so it was very exciting to see the sun rays brightly beaming through as the clouds opened up. The cherry on top was the colorful reflections on the water.Time
The time was sunset. We had gone to the La Jolla area at sunrise, which is about two hours from home. It was a very long day, but La Jolla is famous for it's spectacular sunsets. So as I prepared for my shots I got my second wind. I was certainly not disappointed and the beauty of the La Jolla Cove was worth every minute spent there that day. I'd do it again, and again!Lighting
Natural light is always the best. The clouds gave this image a dramatic feel and once the sunlight cracked through the contrast between the dark blue clouds and orange rays was simply amazing. One suggestion about natural lighting and sunset is to stay after the sun has set, so many times that is when you're going to get the stunning colors. Be patient, let nature do it's thing and you'll reap the benefits.Equipment
I used my handy dandy Canon 5D Mark II with my 24-105 lens and my MeFoto travel tripod. I have a UV filter on my lens, but that was about it.Inspiration
It's always the beauty in nature that inspires me. No matter where I go I can find something one of a kind and unique in nature. Whether it be an awestruck sunset such as this one, or a simple pattern in a rock or leaf. The smell of the ocean, the misty breeze on my face and the music I had playing in my ears also inspired me that evening. I not only saw the image I felt it!Editing
I used lightroom, auto adjustments. Then I applied NIK HDR and reduced the opacity to about 40%. That was all.In my camera bag
Well I have a lot in my backpack, but some how I seem to forget something. To start off with you will always find my trusted 24-105 4.0 Canon lens, and depending on what I'm shooting either my Canon 5D Mark II or my 7D Mark II, my Canon 16-35 2.8 wide angle lens, or my Canon 70-200 4.0 zoom lens. I also have my Hoodman loupe because I'm blind as a bat, plenty of memory cards, lens cleaners, charged batteries. In the front pouch I have a flash light, phone, sunglasses, Swiss army knife and a zip lock bag with survival items, like matches, compass, lip balm, pen, paper, sun screen and moisturizer (yeah you can laugh but the desert sun will dry up your lips and skin really fast), plenty of water, and an energy bar or two. I do love tracking out on my own in the early morning before sunrise, or staying somewhere off the beaten path after sunset. I have no sense of direction so my survival kit is just as important as my camera gear. One day I'm going to get a german shepherd dog and he will show me the went in and out, but you're not going to find him in my bag (haha)Feedback
Take your time, find the perfect spot for you, don't force yourself to try and see what other people see. Use all your senses and imagination. I find that I take a better picture if I can feel it. You may ask "how do you feel a picture", well that's where using your other senses come into play. What you smell, hear and feel can all help you create that perfect one-of-a kind shot. Of course having the right equipment and knowing the basics helps you when shooting. However knowing all the technical aspects of taking a good picture, may give you a technically good picture, but it won't give you a unique picture that has you and your style stamped all over it. Find what moves you and shoot that!
