Silhouette in Flames
Taken from Bribie Island, a unique sunset from earlier this year.
Taken from Bribie Island, a unique sunset from earlier this year.
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Aug, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in a park at the end of Sylvan Esplanade on Bribie Island overlooking Pumicestone Passage. The park is known by the locals as 'Sunset Park' because the walk leads to a wide open area at the mouth of a canal, with a clear view of where the sun sets over Glass House Mountains on the mainland. As I was moving to get there, I noticed the way the clouds surrounded this group of trees, and had to capture it.Time
This was taken in mid May, when sunsets are happening earlier in the evening. This particular photo was taken at 5:22 pm.Lighting
The sun had already gone below the horizon, and with the trees shading the only source of light, it was dimly lit conditions where I was standing. Facing the best light, with reflection off the water and the sky, it created a perfect environment for silhouettes. Being hand held, the camera settings I chose were f/7.1 - 1/400 sec. - ISO 400. If I had to do over again, I probably would slow the shutter a little more, but I didn't want to over expose the light area.Equipment
This photo was taken hand held on my older camera, Canon EOS 600D, with the 18 - 55mm kit lens, no flash. The auto focus had burned out on that lens, and I used manual focus. With my failing eyesight, this can be a challenge. In fact, it was this night that motivated me to want to upgrade to a newer camera, and new lenses (with auto focus - lol)Inspiration
I took my dog for his evening walk along the waterfront. I always carry my camera, but don't always take photos. This sunset was rather grey early on, a lot of clouds, with smoke on the horizon from a small forest fire somewhere at the base of Glass House Mountains. The clouds did move on as the sun got lower, and it was rather plain looking where the sun went below the horizon, with grey clouds off to the right. I was making my way to the car when the afterglow started to colour up. Needless to say, I all but ran to the end of Sunset Park to get the best view, dog romping beside me on the lead loving his run, getting there just at the peak of the colour. I was pleased we didn't miss it!Editing
I am a hobbyist, self-taught, and have a very limited knowledge of Photoshop software, but do process photos from this camera in RAW on CS6. My adjustments are very basic, adjusting white balance, highlights/shadows, curves, these types of things, never anything major. I try to keep things looking as they did to the eye, the way I remember it, as natural as possible. The camera records the image, but often does not look as good, bright or colourful, as it did to the eye. I simply try to enhance the image enough for that natural look it had when I was there.In my camera bag
My equipment is very simple. With my 600D, I bought the twin lens kit, so I have those two lenses. I carry cleaning kit, in case of water or dust on the lens, extra cards and battery, that's about it. I do have a small tripod, but rarely use it, and bring my monopod sometimes. The odd things I also carry, no matter what camera, is small first aid kit, water, a compression bandage (in case of snake bite), and a mobile phone. Much of my photography is done in the bush, and you never know what you might come across. Better to be safe than sorry.Feedback
Since I am still learning myself, any advice I have would be pretty basic, but here it is... First, it's good to know exactly where the sun is setting in your particular place and season, and go early. Choose several objects for your silhouette, so that you can face slightly different directions, depending upon where the best of the colour might be (this can be unpredictable, and it's good to be prepared). Have a plan in advance so that you don't waste time when it is happening. Sunset can change very quickly, different clouds lighting up at different times, so be ready to move for the best shot with each change. In the case of this photo, I knew about this group of trees in advance, and was able to rush up to it, and snap with hardly a thought. Without that knowledge, I might have missed it. I also move between ISO 200 and 400, though with a silhouette I usually choose the higher one due to lack of light. If there is time, try several shots with slightly different settings, then choose the best on the computer later. (The screen on your camera can be deceptive, esp. when standing in low light.) If you choose to use a tripod, of course settings will be different. Focus on the object, not what's behind it. The crisp silhouette is the subject, not the sunset. Remember, always, practice, practice, practice...the photographers mantra. The more photos you take, the better they will become.
