Slate Steel
A colourful depiction of Welsh Slate mining history. The lost industry of generations
of slate miners and their gruelling , harsh working conditions....
Read more
A colourful depiction of Welsh Slate mining history. The lost industry of generations
of slate miners and their gruelling , harsh working conditions.
Read less
of slate miners and their gruelling , harsh working conditions.
Read less
Oct, 2016Views
122
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Awards
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
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Superb Composition
Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
Elidir Mountain Slate Quarry , Dinarwig North WalesTime
I recall it was after midday after an tiring climb . The light was flat and diffused with cloud cover (not unusual in wales) but made it great light for that time of day for this image.Lighting
I would have preferred the golden hour but when you have to climb and descend in one day you have to take what the gods give you I suppose. I was however happy with the diffusion the clouds gave as if it was sunshine at that time a lot of the image would have been in shadow.Equipment
I was using my Nikon S9900 compact . No flash or tripod was usedInspiration
When you climb in North Wales it is like being in a tolkien landscape.. The old mine workings only added to the mystery you feel in those mountains. The sense of lost history with its abandoned shelters , slate mines and mechanical devices ads a kind of sadness to the place . So upon seeing this old cable pulley and looking down the mountain to the bottom where its twin was you are overwhelmed with a sense of sacrifice, blood and tears those poor men had to go through to produce slate and feed their families...Editing
I was new to photography and apart from post processing the camera did the image is exactly as seen on the day.In my camera bag
Now I normally have my camera , a Nikon D5200, 18-55 Kit lens, 55-200 nikkor zoom with lens hoods., ND filters both graduated and solid . Of course my trusty circular polarizer filter .I have a spare battery and spare SD cards cleaning kit with rocket air puffer. And a tripod...Feedback
Plan your day carefully and check the Mountain Weather forecasts(not what you see on the news) as the weather can change and close in dramatically. Good walking boots, weather proof clothing, Maps, compass and food, and water. Give yourself plenty of time to get up and down before dark Read up on the best spots for slate mine ruins and what condition they are going to be in so you can give yourself the best chance of some great photographic experiences .There is a slatemine museum in snowdon North Wales and it would be a good idea to check this out for information before you head up the mountains
