First Light
WB | www.truphotos.com
IG | @truphotostravel
Jan, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in Banff, Canada.Time
On this day at dawn, I managed to reach just in time and hurriedly searched for a vantage point. The rising sun was largely obscured by low-lying clouds at first but my patience paid off when the golden rays managed to pierce through momentarily, just enough time for a few captures.Lighting
I chose to visit this location at dawn as I had visualised that the rising sun from behind me would be shining its golden rays on the mountain peaks in front.Equipment
This was shot on a Nikon D300s with AF-S 12-24mm f/4 lens on a Gitzo GT1541T tripod and Gradual Neutral Density 3-stop filter.Inspiration
I recalled a photo of the lake I had seen in a magazine that instantly captivated me with its surreal colours. However, this was a common view already captured by many people so I decided to photograph it in another light to try and provide a different view to a beautiful location.Editing
I did post-processing in Lightroom to correct for the white balance and colours. My style is to try to replicate the scene close to what I have witnessed so I try not to overdo any of the adjustments. The GND filter helped tremendously in balancing the huge difference in contrast between the darker foreground and sun-lit mountains. Because of this, exposure adjustments were kept to a minimum.In my camera bag
For travel assignments, I almost always have the 14-24mm f/2.8 lens with me. The Gitzo travel tripod goes in as well. I have been using it for the past 5 years and the durability is amazing. I have read about issues from other photographers about carrying a tripod on board so I have always checked it in (after wrapping it in layers of clothing). Sometimes I bring along a 24-70mm f/2.8 for more general shots and/or 85mm f/1.4 for more flexibility isolating subjects, depending on the location I am travelling to. And lastly, of course, my GND filters for early morning and sunset shots.Feedback
Timing is everything and can literally make or break a photograph. Be prepared to get up really early before everyone does, and stay out during the last few hours of the day. Also, be mentally prepared for changes in lighting and the weather. Do not be dismayed when the weather does not turn out as you expected because many a time, images that are captured in unexpected situations (or bad weather) can be much more unique than what you have originally planned for.
