almost dark
port isabel causeway
port isabel causeway
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Nov, 2016Views
585
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Awards
People's Choice in Sunsets and the sea Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken on South Padre Island in far south Texas. I was on a peer that loops under the main causeway running from the southern tip of the island to the mainland (Port Isabel)Time
This was taken right after sunset, the sun had just dipped below the horizon on a late October day.Lighting
I waited for the sun to dip below the horizon so it would be dark enough for the streetlights to come on, but there would still be back-lighting to make the clouds interesting to shoot. The streetlights didn't turn out to be as bright as I would have liked, but everything else worked out ok. The clouds moved in again right after I shot this, so I was still unable get the night sky shots I hoping for.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon 70D and a Tamron 16-300mm lens. I like the Tamron for it's versatility, it lets me carry fewer lenses around. I did not use a tripod despite the low light, but I did steady the camera on the peer's railing.Inspiration
This was shot my last night on the island, and it was the only evening the skies were clear enough to make for an interesting sunset shot while I was there. I had been keeping an eye out for interesting landmarks to have in the frame for a sunset, something that wouldn't be too obtrusive - the causeway fit the bill.Editing
I fought with this one quite a bit in Lightroom - I was trying to bring out the streetlights on the causeway a bit more without resorting to Photoshop, but had limited success. As a rule I usually just fiddle with the lighting a bit in my photos, I try not to Photoshop them and let them speak for themselves.In my camera bag
These days I'll usually have the 70D, a 5D Mark III, and a few extra lens that fit what I'll be shooting. I don't like changing lenses out in the open, so I'll try and pick out what I think will work beforehand. Don't forget extra batteries!Feedback
If you know you'll be shooting sunsets, try and scout out locations early. Having a clear field of view with something lower-key but interesting in the frame makes for a more interesting shot. I like to shoot when the sun is obscured, either behind an odd cloud, or when it has just dipped below the horizon - that helps bring out the details and colors of the clouds.
