Meandering Brook
A meandering brook with some falls along the Trail of Tears. It was a beautiful day to try my hand at some slower shutter speeds. I am loving this journey!...
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A meandering brook with some falls along the Trail of Tears. It was a beautiful day to try my hand at some slower shutter speeds. I am loving this journey!
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Aug, 2016Views
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Awards
People's Choice in Long exposure forest scenes Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
While on a hike in the southern portion of the Shawnee National Forest in search of some known waterfalls, I happened upon this small area of forest with a wonderful point of view and a nice flow of water. I had been wanting to try a new technique working with long exposure, and thought this would be the perfect spot for my learning journey. This area of the forest is quite tranquil and is teeming with wildlife. I feel such peace here.Time
If memory serves correctly on this particular hike, it was mid afternoon on a warm sunny day after two days of heavy rain. Most waterfalls, creeks, and brooks in my area are solely dependent on heavy rainfall for any sizeable flow. So this day was a good sunny day after the rain.Lighting
As I was composing the shot, I noticed several areas where the sun was poking through the dense foliage on the trees. It made for some nice highlights on the rocks in the shot. I am learning more and more about paying very close attention to lighting and how subtle differences in lighting can make or break a good shot.Equipment
For this shot I had my Nikon D3200 with the 18-55 mm lens attached. I have a smallish tripod that I use when I hike. The aperture was set at f29 for a deep DOF. This was a one second exposure with the ISO at 200. Since this was a learning experience for me, I intend to try and shoot this again, or something similar, and lower the ISO to 100, to facilitate a longer exposure to smooth out the water flow even more.Inspiration
Ah, what inspired me. Well, Viewbug in part inspired me! There are so many wonderful photos on Viewbug, and I was inspired by a lot of those photos to learn a new technique. I also love to be out in all of natures glory. In saying that, I have to say that I truly experienced this shot. Packing my gear back into the woods, finding the perfect spot, literally sitting in some very chilly water in the middle of the forest because it was the best vantage point, made for the wonderful lesson in long exposure. I am so honored to have been chosen the People's Choice in the Long Exposure forest scene challenge! Wow!Editing
Okay, I admit it, I am totally new to post process. But, I am currently taking a class to learn the ways of Photoshop and Lightroom. I do accept tips and advice from any seasoned veterans on the use of both! This shot was cropped (to remove a small piece of litter in the corner of the shot). That is all I did. I am eager to learn more! I no longer shoot in jpeg. I now shoot only in Raw. See, I am learning!In my camera bag
My Nikon camera, a variety of lenses. Usually I carry my 18-55mm, 55-300mm, and a 40mm 2.8 macro lens. I always carry a tripod. I have a great camera backpack that has plenty of room for my equipment, plus any small items I might need such as extra battery pack, lens cleaner, etc. Since I do a lot of hiking, drinks and snacks are a must, and so is a compass! Needed that a time or two!Feedback
My advice as a beginner would be: Get out there and shoot away! Do not be afraid to try something new. If it does not work out, delete and try again. It is all about the experience and passion to capture something beautiful. I have learned to pay close attention to light. Find the light, see how it plays on your subject. See how it plays and makes shadows. One inch one way or the other can make a huge difference in a shot. Most of all, have fun, and learn. I am and am loving every journey I take! Happy shooting!
