And there it was.
Nov, 2018Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in New York Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken from the viewing deck of the "Top of the Rock".Time
This was a specific goal... We had ten days in NYC and I HAD to get my own skyline photo. Im sure it's a goal of any photographer visiting this amazing city. I had two extra factors that were important. I wanted it to be at sunset and I wanted to have something that made it a little different. Well, let's just say, it's clearly the most popular time to visit, so I had to work with limited space and dodge a lot of people!Lighting
I had no tripod with me and landscape photography is something I love to admire, but not the strongest part of my work, so I thought I would struggle a little with getting a nice sharp image. I put the ISO up to 16000 and the shutter to 1/100 to try and capture the mood of the setting sun, while also highlighting the beautiful colours in the buildings and the sky. I was a little disappointed at first thinking, "ugh, there's too much noise", but quickly remembered the photo was taken through glass so essentially I was quite happy with the result.Equipment
I used my Nikon D810 for this photo. Lens was a 24-120mm f/4. It was the best option considering I only own two lenses, with my focus usually being portraits of people!Inspiration
I was determined to take a reminder of a life long dream home with me. But one I had a part in visualising and creating. Obviously, NY Skyline photos are everywhere, but I really wanted to mark my long awaited trip with something purposeful and personal. I wanted it to have mood and colour that felt like I could take myself back to the moment when I looked at it.Editing
I really wanted to leave it as close to the original image as possible, again, because it was a snapshot of a memorable moment. What I did focus on was slightly saturating the pink, orange and yellow tones. Only a few points, but enough to feel like the colours were truly contrasting with the night sky, as the darkness crept in. I also increased the shadow in the right of the image... It is a person also viewing from the deck. This could have been such a frustrating interference in the image but I feel like it highlights exactly what the moment was about... So many people coming together, from all over the world to admire an iconic landscape. I like that it's there now. It increases the moody quality while depicting the moment exactly as I remember it.In my camera bag
I now carry a Canon 5dsr. It is my 'go to' currently. As I'm usually shooting portraits, my next 'must have' is my Canon 85mm f1.4 IS lens. I felt like a kid at Christmas when I purchased it and it has not let me down. I also pack my Canon EF 24-105mm f3.5-5.6. The two are interchangeable options for me outdoors or in studio. Additionally, no matter how much I think I've learnt, I still always have my camera manual in my bag. 2 spare batteries and spare CF cards. I always take my Speedlite (Canon 430EX III), although, I don't use it often. I'm kind of an 'over-preparer’... You know, the one that packs for a week when I'm going away overnight!Feedback
I'd say, think it through... What is your purpose... Are you looking for a precise and clean skyline, or are you wanting to bring something unique. Time of the day makes so much difference with New York. If you are looking for sunset... Be early! The line to move to the deck from the ticket booth is busy, as one would expect. So make time. If I could do it again (which I fully intend to one day), I would book myself dinner in the restaurant/bar on the level of the viewing deck. I'm sure it would be an extravagance but it would allow ample time to sit and wait for right time, while enjoying some good food and wine! Be patient, enjoy the changing scenery at sunset and capture all that changes in front of you... You won't be disappointed!
