Beautiful Moments
Oct, 2016Views
704
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Awards
People's Choice in Beautiful Sunsets Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Top Choice
Emotions
Happy
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Behind The Lens
Location
This is a spot on private property that I go to for photos of Bald Eagles. I have permission to use the site and one day after chasing Bald Eagles all day, I was winding down and noticed the clouds were looking pretty good for a potential sunset. I asked the owner if they would mind if I stayed around a little longer to try and get a sunset and they said that would be fine. This is a beautiful piece of property full of old Oak trees. I tried several different spots on the property before settling on this spot for the sunset. I'm sure that any of the locations would have been great but I just liked this spot the best at that time. When the clouds lit up as you see in the picture, it only lasted for 60 seconds so I was very glad I was prepared and watching closely. There were no color enhancements done in post, this is how it looked.Time
This photo was taken around 6:45 P.M.Lighting
I did shoot this photo in exposure bracketing mode @ 3 stops and 3 exposures so I could make sure that it looked as it did when I captured the photo. I did the post processing carefully to ensure that it looked as it did that day.Equipment
I used a Canon 80D with a Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens and a Davis and Sanford professional video tripod.Inspiration
Honestly, I was not intending to get a sunset this day but after shooting Bald Eagles all day I noticed a cloud set that looked like it would produce a beautiful sunset so I stayed to see and capture it. I am very glad I did.Editing
I use Light Room for my processing. HDR Merge, highlights, shadows and exposure and then I have a natural contrast trick I do in photoshop because it is cleaner than the slider contrast adjustment in Light Room, ACR, Topaz or even Photoshop.In my camera bag
Canon 80D, Sigma 17-24mm f/2.8 lens, Sigma 120-400mm f/4 - 5.6 lens, extra SD card and lens wipes.Feedback
For sunsets I recommend shooting in exposure bracketing mode, ISO 100, use a tripod and make sure to enjoy the sunset. Don't get so caught up in the technical part that you loose the joy of the moment.
