Midwinter
A park just outside of the city I often took my dog to for off-leash walks.
A park just outside of the city I often took my dog to for off-leash walks.
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Feb, 2016Views
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Contest Finalist in Black And White Trees Photo Contest
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Jillybean56
October 07, 2016
Great shot! (And a real reminder that winter will be here again too soon.)
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken just outside the Canadian prairie city I call home. My dog and I used to go there for off-leash walks. She's gone now, so this photo holds special meaning for me.Time
The image was taken in the late afternoon. My dog was already in the car after our walk and I turned to get behind the wheel and saw this image. I really didn't think I was going to get any worthwhile photos that day because it was quite overcast and dull. But I liked the way the fence posts created visual draw towards the leafless tree.Lighting
The lighting in this image is fairly flat and even, but to me it perfectly conveys the mood of the day. It was a cold, grey, still afternoon. I think I captured that.Equipment
At the time I only had my Canon G12 with me. It's a handy fixed lens camera that I often carry with me when I'm not out looking for photos, but don't want to be caught without a camera should I get inspired by something I see. The shot is hand-held, not filters or expensive lenses.Inspiration
I find winter my favourite season for shooting landscapes. It's sometimes hard to get myself motivated as I don't particularly like the cold. I love black and white landscapes and I like the starkness the winter months provide. The winter light varies greatly in this part of the world, from brilliant sun to grey moody overcast skies. Both provide challenges and opportunities. Selecting the right subject matter is key. I have another favourite photo of coneflowers up to their necks in a snowdrift that was taken mid-afternoon on a sunny day. It has a totally different feel.Editing
I'm a great believer in doing as little post-processing as possible. Obviously to achieve black and white processing Photoshop or Lightroom is necessary. I then limit manipulation to adjusting contrast, shadows and highlights and minimal cropping. My days in photography go way back to film days when there was only so much you can achieve in the darkroom. I'm still not totally happy with the tones in my digital black and white, but I'm work on it.In my camera bag
I'm new to digital photography, so I'm still building my equipment list. I started with the Canon G12 three years ago and two years ago purchased a Nikon D7100 with an 18 to 105mm lens. I also have 55mm lens, a sturdy but light weight Manfroto tripod, a circular PL filter and a remote shutter release. One little item I purchase that I find invaluable for landscapes is a spirit level, the kind that fits in the flash hot shoe. Getting horizons level is essential.Feedback
I try to keep myself open to shooting in any lighting condition. I'm not a professional, so I have to get out and shoot when my schedule allows. While early morning and dusk are ideal, I don't always find those time convenient. If the only opportunity happens to be mid-afternoon I try to look for the play of light and shadow and attempt to work with that. Or, as in this photos case, a cold, overcast winters day might just result in something interesting. Composition is also the key to the success of this image. This is a good example of the application of the rule of thirds.
