Old tree guarding a cornfield
Aug, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Driving on a back country road near my home near Whitby, Ontario, I was immediately struck by the angry sky and both the strength and vulnerability of this old tree. Almost like a silent guard over the cornfield behind. This tree obviously has been 'dead' for many years, yet stands as a testament to its root system and ability to survive both an ice storm in recent years, and some local tornados. It was taken from inside the vehicle on a somewhat busy road, so only enough time to stop, compose the shot as much as I could and snap away. Several photos with different compositions were taken, with the rule of thirds in place. I even took a few snaps with the tree centred...Time
This was taken on July 31st, at 8:30 pm, looking North East.Lighting
The sun was setting and just enough ambient sunlight hit the trunk to bring focus to the tree, and not be overshadowed by the available light of the sky.Equipment
As much as I love getting into my semi-pro gear (DSLR, various lenses), this was shot with a mere iPhone 6 Plus, and converted to black and white using Adobe PS Express on the same device. While I love the flexibility of a DSLR, lenses and a tripod, have a decent 'camera' with you at all times is freeing in many ways. This is a somewhat busy road, and to set up the big camera and tripod would have meant trying to find somewhere to park my vehicle more securely, as well as dashing out and setting up the tripod and hoping I had a few seconds to take a few different shots. I rarely use a flash, either on the DSLR or the iPhone.Inspiration
I've developed an 'eye' now for shots. While driving or walking, I now seem to view the world around as a lens myself, rather than just enjoying the surroundings. I try to capture what I see to be able to share these images around me with the world. This tree stands as a silent guard and witness to the farms around it. It has seen many seasons come and go stands as a reminder that many majestic trees stood along this roadside.Editing
Yes, added a B&W filter in Adobe PS Express. It made the shot, in my opinion, much more powerful that in colour. Also added a bit of vignette to focus the eye on the tree.In my camera bag
If I take all my gear, I have a Nikon D3200 with the 18-55 stock lens, as well as a Nikkor 55-200 telephoto lens to allow me to capture shots that I don't have access to, physically. I will also have a prime lens shortly. I always have my iPhone 6 Plus, and where the big cam is forbidden but point and shoots are allowed, at concerts for example, I always have my Canon Powershot Elph 160 at the ready. The quality is ok, better in low light than the iPhone, but I will usually shoot on both and edit later.Feedback
Not having access to lighting gear or a studio, I attempt to capture nature subjects with available light. I think, and it's just my personal opinion, that more people should just take chances and shoot whatever they see. Take many, many shots of differing compositions and different zoom levels, as it's only a memory card! I spoke with another pro photographer and she said that she crops in camera. I personally prefer to take many shots and edit/crop later. Different philosophies. She commits in camera, I take many more shots and pick and choose later which ones I want to edit. Bring a few formatted memory cards and take as many shots as you can. Some will be out of focus, or the lighting is wrong, or the composition is 'wrong'...keep trying, learning and your art will get immensely better!
