ASH_2240
Feb, 2016Views
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Awards
Spring Selection Award
Way To Go
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken during an extended business trip with my full item employer. I was given a great opportunity to visit the Taj-Mahal in Agra, among other fantastic sites within the amazing place that is India.Time
Despite the cloud hazed sky, and lack of red sky, this photo was taken during an October sunrise. It was well worth the sleepy 4 am start and haunting early morning Tuc-Tuc ride through Agra streets, not yet crowded with the daily bustle that engulfs the city. Its true what they say "the early Bird catches the worm" and with all the other early birds rushing to be the first thought the oversized Tomb. I was left with the perfect opportunity to capture this shot. uninterrupted.Lighting
At first, trying to make the 8th Wonder stand out from the over cast sky and low morning sun light was a challenge, but having that extra time to play with my settings and not be pushed out the way for "the perfect selfi" meant I was able to capture the wonder in an amazing light. The white marble may not be as prominent on the grey overcast background as opposed to a clear blue sky, but for me this brings back the memory of my trip. Perfection among imperfection. Beauty on the most unlikely background.Equipment
This shot was taken with a Nikon D5500 and a 18-55mm 3.5f lens.Inspiration
Inspiration? Honesty, there was no inspiration, lets face it.... who would have needed it. The moment I walked thought the outer gates, I was faced with this beautifully symmetrical shot. Incorporating the water fountain, Tree, reflections, gardens and the Taj itself. It was an obvious shot, and one I naturally raised my Camera to.Editing
After taking my time on site and being pleasantly pleased with what i saw on the camera, I didnt think much editing would be needed once I returned home. Needless to say, seeing the pictures on a larger screen clearly showed the novice photographer that I am and post processing was needed. I tweaked the white balance along with the contrast to try and stop the Taj from merging into the grey surround.In my camera bag
I start with the Nikon D5500. This is my first ever DSLR and in all honesty..... my first real camera. It might have its limitations to the professionals out there but they far outweigh my current ability and find it a great piece of Kit. I then find myself packing the 18-55mm Nikon lens... Its what came standard but does the trick. light weight and a good all rounder to have. my second lens is the slightly bigger 70-300mm Nikon. I love wildlife and having a lens that gets me close to the action without scaring the beasts away is always handy. My final lens is the 105mm Prime Sigma Macro. A fab prime lens not just for Macro photography.Feedback
As the old saying goes..... "Early Birds catch the worm" being first in the line for when the doors open means you get to choose the position the photo is taken. Lets you take your time.... and more importantly allows you to enjoy the moment so much more. Having to compromise position because everyone and there tour guide wants a picture in the front row, or queuing to only have seconds to get the right snap before being pushed off the important step and finding endless amounts of other tourists filling the gardens an paths all end with you in a bad mood.
