Sunset in Raro
Jul, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo while on holiday in the Cook Islands, on a beach in Rarotonga.Time
The sun was just setting - around 7pm on the 6th of February 2016. After the first full day in Rarotonga’s heat and humidity a relaxing swim was the best way to end the day. I was in the water for a long time after the swim was over; waiting to capture that moment just before the sun disappeared over the horizon.Lighting
As an amateur photographer, I have been trying to focus on capturing the natural lighting and not getting too stressed to try and use filters or flashes. In this instance I took a lot of shots as the sun was setting and at first I thought the clouds would obscure the shot. However, they made for a very different tone of light adding a natural “filter”. I love how the sunset is not overly bright or the usual reds, but the light is soft and just touching the tops of waves, adding depth to the photo. This is how I remember the moment in the warm pacific waters and a last glimpse of the fading daylight.Equipment
For this shot I used my waterproof Panasonic Lumix DC Vario with a 25 mm lens. No other equipment was used in this shot.Inspiration
I really wanted to be able to share this moment and that is why I chose to lower the angle of the photograph, so that the viewer is eye-level with the waves and can be drawn into the photograph. It was a perfect warm and sunny day in Rarotonga, and ending that in the calm, warm waters with the glow of the sunset was a perfect ending that I wanted to be able to remember.Editing
None. At this stage I have not delved into post-processing as I am trying to practise in different lighting, subject matter and equipment techniques. I am self-taught and as my basic photography progresses, I will expand my other skillsets.In my camera bag
My current main camera is a Samsung NX1100 with 50mm and 200mm lenses. It has a quite a wide variety of settings that I am still exploring. I also have the Panasonic Lumix DC Vario with a 25 mm lens, it is water-, shock- and dust proof, not that I am incredibly adventurous, but I can be quite clumsy and this camera has been dubbed “old reliable” for surviving trips with me. Then I also have some UV and colour filters, and the best gift I have ever received – my aluminium tripod. It really has allowed me to expand and grow my photography skills further by providing stability and versatility. I also have some individually wrapped Moist Wipes (the type for reading glasses) – just in case.Feedback
Sometimes I think it is important to not get to caught up in trying to capture the perfect photo from a technical point, but to enjoy and experience that moment in time. By trying to take the photo as you experience it, it can translate over to your viewers and make for a great photo. Everyone has different things they enjoy, if you find something you love, it will make taking photographs fun and show in your work. Patience is also important and a lot of practise, try different things until you find what works for you.
