DSC07805
Jul, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken from Steptoe butte, a barren high point with 360 degree views of the surrounding rolling hills of the PalouseTime
Mid-afternoon on New Years' DayLighting
A perfectly sunny day without a cloud in the sky.Equipment
Used a Sony A77-MII to take this photo. If I recall correctly I shot this with an 18mm lens.Inspiration
A nice layer of snow blanketed the Palouse on New Years Day. I had the day off from work and I wanted to get a good view of the hills from a viewpoint. I headed out to Steptoe butte, a popular spot for photographers. The road up the butte wasn't plowed, but there was only 3 inches of stow and I had a 4x4 SUV with winter tires, so I headed up in tracks of others, however, as I came around the North side of the butte, the snow was drifted to a depth of a foot or more. I tried to bust through but realized that wasn't going to work, so I backed up, but started to slip towards the steep edge. As I waited for assistance from a friend, I hiked around to the desired viewpoint and took this photo. The friend and another guy with a Jeep and winch assisted in pulling me back onto the road, and all was well in the end.Editing
I use Lightroom for post-processing. I typically darken the highlights, brighten the shadows, and increase the black point. I try to keep the look natural and like I remember the scene.In my camera bag
In my bag I have a Sony A77-MII Camera -- I used to carry two until the older A55 broke. Lenses include a Sony 18-250mm multipurpose lens, a Sigma 10-20mm Wide angle lens, a Tamron 200-400mm lens, and a Sigma 105mm Macro lens. Additionally I carry a tripod, a cheap brand, but modified with a Manifrodo pistol grip ball head.Feedback
Watch the conditions when you go out to take photos. Sometimes pushing too far can get you into trouble -- I've had some close calls in snowy conditions nearly getting stuck on backroads. In the future I might hike in to get the view. The photo was worth the effort though.
