Mystic Sunset
Jan, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. It is one of my absolute favorite locations to photograph in my home state of Connecticut and a never-ending source of inspiration.Time
The weather changed very quickly during my two hours at the seaport. It was warm, fair & clear blue skies upon my arrival. Then an impending coastal disturbance brought cooler temps and a blanket of cloud cover, along with one of the most stunning sunsets I've ever witnessed by the coast. I took this shot with the rapidly fading light on August 19, 2012 at approx 7:30pm.Lighting
The sudden cloud cover and impressive sunset cast a beautiful and yet somewhat ominous feel to the scene. I chose the lower vantage point to ensure I took advantage of the blanket in the sky, but not too low to miss out on the lantern light in the top of the lighthouse. A challenging lighting condition, but a shot that quickly became one of my favorites. A photo that conveys the beauty and mystique of the coast.Equipment
This photo was taken with my first DSLR, a Canon EOS Rebel XS, with the kit 18-55mm lens. It was shot at F/4, 1/50 sec, ISO 100 and at 23mm.Inspiration
Mystic Seaport is always a source of inspiration and challenges me to find new shots and angles. It was a Sunday evening and I took my dog for the hour ride to Mystic to go for a relaxing walk while I snapped new photos. The afternoon started with beautiful clear skies and classic coastal images. When weather suddenly changed, the temperature dropped and blanketed sky came in, I knew I had an opportunity to capture the calm before the storm. The ominous clouds combined with the gorgeous sunset and the reliable safe light from the lighthouse ... a compelling maritime image.Editing
This image was taken in low lighting, but I didn't have a tripod, so it was definitely underexposed. I adjusted the exposure while in the RAW processor, along with tweaks to the whites, blacks, shadows, white balance, contrast, saturation and clarity. Once in Photoshop, I finished up with just a slight bit of sharpening to the overall image.In my camera bag
I am hard pressed to go on day trips without my Canon EOS 60D as my constant companion. I often have all three of my lenses with me as I have not yet acquired a big variety. I still bring my reliable 18-55mm 4.0 kit lens from my Rebel, along with my 50mm prime 1.4, and my 75-300mm 5.6. Each lens serves a purpose, whether I feel like shooting landscapes, portraits, or anything else that may capture my eye. It is enough equipment for all situations, yet not too much to bog me down while out and about.Feedback
For anyone lucky enough to find themselves taking photographs in New England, embrace it! The weather can change at the drop of a dime and if you blink, you might miss it. The seasons, the diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery always provide something new to photograph. There is inspiration to be found in the small rural towns, the coast, or the rolling hills. I love taking a random day trip and seeing what mother nature provides as a canvas. Every now and then, everything comes together when you least expect it and an opportunity like this image comes around. I've yet to have another lighting, sunset, weather combo to top this one in the four years since that evening.
