Shafts
I was in Victoria Park in London and I was struck by the shafts of light trying to penetrate through the trees so I had a go at capturing it. ...
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I was in Victoria Park in London and I was struck by the shafts of light trying to penetrate through the trees so I had a go at capturing it.
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May, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this picture in Victoria Park in East London. In fact, this park has held so many memories for me over the years that I am actually staggering in disbelief as to how long it took me to realise and capture its understated beauty. This park is one of the few parks that, for me, still has a sense of community as opposed to it being on the tourist trail. The locals can come here and lie down on the verdant grass, go for a jog, have a picnic, walk along the canals, watch a football or cricket match or perhaps a model boat dodging ducks in a pond, have some food in its unobtrusive eateries, listen to screams of delight as hordes of children traverse the adventure playground or the clatter of sultry teenagers performing mind boggling acrobatics on their skateboards. You can even get lost in the park's nook and crannies. Time slows down on sunny days and, in summer, friends gather in groups on the grass for low murmuring chat and maybe have a beer whilst watching the sunset. It is my favourite park in London but don't tell London Fields (another park) that...Time
This is perhaps my favourite picture. In November 2015, I had just started wrestling with the idea of photography as a new vocation and, to be perfectly honest, I had been going around the park all day seemingly unable to capture that one spark of inspiration to consolidate my inner belief. I had been wandering around the park all day and my inspiration and enthusiasm were setting as rapidly as the sun, and then, just as I was about to give up on everything, i stumbled on to this path and saw this scene. I actually took my glasses off and did a double take because I couldn't quite believe how pretty it was. The idea of erecting barriers and enlisting the help of park wardens to prevent people getting into the shot actually sprang to mind. It was 16:45pm (GMT) on an uncharacteristically mild and sunny day in November. And the sun was setting. Whilst I acknowledge that I am a complete newbie at this, and still have a huge amount to learn, this picture, along with the many acknowledgements, actually has put me on the right 'life path'. I am grateful.Lighting
Well, I could say that this was all planned but in truth, it wasn't. The lighting is all natural i.e. the sunlight on the left was being filtered by the tree's leaves creating a cascade or shafts of light effect. These shafts, in turn, hit the overhanging leaves of the tree across the path enhancing their green/yellow/brown colour. I guess, as a rule of thumb, under these circumstances, one should look for the light (and its direction) first. That way, the picture should emerge naturally. I am fairly sure this was the first time I saw the world differently i.e. I 'slowed down' and took in the scene and this helped me understand and identify the light source and its subsequent impact.Equipment
No laughing please. I use a Canon EOS 1000D and my second lens (EFS 70 - 300mm). I should have probably used the standard EFS 18 - 55mm lens but I really had no clue. I also used the cheapest Velbon tripod (EF-61) that my begging (of the kind yet slightly alarmed Jessops salesman) could get. I can't tell you how many times I have lost a good shot because of that tripod. Still, it forces me to be more careful. I guess. So, if you're in the park and you see a guy swinging a tripod over his head, shouting at seemingly nothing then that would be me. I also had a standard UV filter on the lens and that's about it.Inspiration
This is a tough question as I have to provide extensive context to the 'journey' that I have been on. I have been suffering from PTSD for the last 8 years (resultant from attempted murder) and in that indescribable darkness, the little light and kindness that comes by way of family, friends, small accomplishments e.g. cycling from the Andes to the Amazon, trekking to the North Pole for charity in 2013 etc, working on the frontline of a soup kitchen, as well as recovering from being partially paralysed for 18 months and accepting you'll never return to your old investment banking career (note: I was NOT responsible for the 2008 crash) is all part of my new reality. I am trying to 'get on with it". And I have had help along the way from all sorts of unexpected sources. You see, when something bad like this happens to you, your whole value system of the world/universe gets distorted and photography is my path to recovery and some kind of normailty. So to answer your question: It is the unexpected kindness that you come across in this life that inspires me. And when I take a good picture, it is like discovering treasure and that too should be 'given back' as kindness. And let's not forget the fantastic people on Viewbug - the staff and the talented, knowledgeable, skilful, brilliant, brilliant members on here. You too, with your supportive and enthusiastic feedback, have all inspired me. I am grateful for having found your tremendous site.Editing
No post processing took place. At the time I took the photograph, I had no idea about post processing. I didn't even have the appropriate software. I am fairly sure I still don't. Having said that, I am now able to apply simple effects e.g. B&W (when I forget to shoot in B&W).In my camera bag
Again, no laughing please: I have the following: Camera & Lens: 1 x Canon EOS 1000D, 1 x Canon EFS 18-55mm lens, 1 x Canon EFS 70-300mm lens Tripod: Velbon EF-61 (grrrrrrrrr) Battery: 2 x Lithium batteries Memory Cards: 2 x memory cards (Eyefi and SanDisk) iPhone accessories including solar charger and Ollo clip (wide angle & fish eye lens) Some manuals, notes, fruit, a half eaten baguette, a bottle of water A lot of luck, hope, inspiration and the occasionally critical eyeFeedback
I feel a little awkward giving advice as I am usually the one seeking it(!) however I would strongly recommend (assuming you are not a seasoned pro) that you do the following: 1. Go to your favourite park when it is quiet (maybe a weekday) and absorb the solitude. 2. Set out before the 'golden hour(s)' i.e. the hours before and after sunrise and sunset (the pros don't say this for fun - this is a key tactic) 3. Find a nice spot where the trees might have created some seclusion over a path or a pond. 4. Look at (for) the direction of sunlight and track where it goes. if it doesn't land anywhere interesting, change your physical position and thus perspective. 5. Be patient. And then be more patient. 6. Clear your mind, smile to yourself (you're going to find treasure after all), be 'in the moment' and that should go some way to capturing a great, timeless picture.
