jxk176

The Golden Escape Route

X-T10

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 400 Shutter 1/420 Focal Length 2050/100

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May, 2016

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

On a walk around with my pooch. Converted to bw. Shot hand held at 1-20 to get some motion from the pedestrians.

Taken on a slightly foggy day. Saw the leaves all knurled and twisted after in the winter here and found them interesting.

Taken in the evening as the low sun high lighted the encroaching storm clouds.

Great pizza at an Italian family restaurant. So good
You can tell by the leftovers.

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in Seattle, Washington in the old part of town known as Pioneer Town. A great place filled with interesting places and people and eclectic characters.

Time

It was around mid-day. With a couple of friends looking for lunch after several hours strolling around on a bright sunny day on October 31, 2015

Lighting

It was around mid-day. The sun was high at around 1 o'clock so slightly off of high noon. A little overcast now and then from some clouds directly overhead which filtered the sunlight to reduce the hardness of the light. I took some test shots from different angles and locations to determine the best look. I took this shot from the shade of a tree on the boulevard once I reviewed my test photos.

Equipment

Handheld with a Fuji XT-10 fixed with a Fuji 18-55 f2.8-4 RLM OIS lens. Shot at F5.6, 1/420s, ISO400, 20mm (equivalent to 30mm on APS sensor).

Inspiration

When I look for a subject to photograph, especially in my favorite genre of street and urban photography, the subject has to almost jump out at me and say "take my picture". This was one of those times. When I saw the gold colored fire escape on this period architectural building I was immediately drawn to it. It was different from all the other black or grey fire escapes I have captured. This one evoked a feeling of calm of days long gone. It seemed to bring the architectural lines of the building. It all seemed to be vibrant and alive. In another day in another time it was worn down and tattered.

Editing

I try to do a minimal amount of processing. For this photo, I darkened the highlights to remove some of the hard light and also brightened the shadows to bring out more of the architecture details. Then I adjust the saturation and vibrancy a little and a slight curve adjustment for an overall pleasing look. Finally, I removed a small billboard sign on the sidewalk next to the lamp post and cropped the right side of the photo to remove an unnecessary part of the original photo. Done.

In my camera bag

I usually have the Fuji XT-10 and my Nikon D300. I carry three lenses; a Fuji 18-55, Sigma 18-200 and Sigma 10-20. Polarizing filters and various strengths of ND filters, spare batters for both cameras including chargers and extra storage cards and last but not least a Manfrotto tripod. This covers pretty much what I need. That being said, I will be purchasing a Fuji 35mm and a lens adapter to use my Nikon mount lenses on the Fuji in the future.

Feedback

Since I mostly shoot for my own personal satisfaction, I tend to be very specific about the photos I take. Spend time looking not just for the sake of looking but rather look beyond what you immediately see. Take your time, there is lots of it. No need to shoot just to shoot. Try and be specific, think and ask yourself some questions. Why should I take this photo? Probably the most important and hardest question. What purpose will this photo serve, who will see it, what does it say to me, if I don't take it will I miss it, is there another way or angle to take the photo. If time allows take some test shots to see how it looks. Be proud of your work no matter who views it. Have some fun.

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jxk176

jxk176

The Golden Escape Route

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow jxk176

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