Freeze!
Dec, 2016Views
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Awards
Winner in Signs of Winter Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
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Magnificent Capture
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo is taken at the Big?r waterfall in Romania, Cara?-Severin county.Time
It was morning, not too late, not too early either, but it was in the dead of winter and the waterfall was very shaded, allowing needle sharp icicles to form all over its edges.Lighting
It was a bit of a challenge obtaining an exposure short enough to freeze individual water droplets in midair, with the waterfall being entirely in the shade, but after several attempts, I managed to find a good enough balance between short exposure and sufficient lighting.Equipment
This was taken with a handheld (approximately) Nikon D5200, equipped with a Tamron 18-270mm, on the wide end. A tripod would've helped, but I didn't have one with me at the time, so I had to improvise :).Inspiration
The waterfall has gained some notoriety with travel photographers over the past few years, but to my shame, I had yet to see it, despite it being in my own country. I made it a point to finally go see it when it promised to be at its most stunning, which is in winter, when it partially (or sometimes even entirely) freezes over. It did not disappoint.Editing
I did a vibrance boost and a faux-HDR treatment. There wasn't much to improve, the waterfall was stunning all by itself.In my camera bag
I only have one camera body, a Nikon D5200, but I've taken it around the world with me and it has yet to disappoint me. I usually pack an all-rounder such as the one this photo was taken with (the Tamron 18-270mm), and if I have room for an extra, I'll take either a 40mm or a really fast 50mm. Other times, if I know I'm going to be focusing on wide scenery (such as when I go hiking in the mountains), I'll just grab an ultra-wide (Sigma 10-20mm) and only work with that one.Feedback
Try to find the hidden beauty of a place, that perfect angle, that perfect moment when there's no one around. I've heard people go as far as to say that some of the famously beautiful places (including this one) are underwhelming when seen in real life, which I view as simply lacking an eye for that perfect shot and not finding a way to bring out the best, because (rest assured) it IS there.
