Christmas at the Docks
This photo was taken using a crystal ball on a wooden post near the boat docks in Port Orchard, WA. Fortunately, I was able to pick up the Christmas lights on t...
Read more
This photo was taken using a crystal ball on a wooden post near the boat docks in Port Orchard, WA. Fortunately, I was able to pick up the Christmas lights on the branches behind as well as one of the boats.
Read less
Read less
Nov, 2018Views
475
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Holiday Lights Photo Contest 2018
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 3Top 10 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1Categories
PRO
BenjaminHornePhotography
January 13, 2019
Wow, I love the creativity, here, though I would've loved if you focused more on the crystal
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the docks in downtown Port Orchard, WA.Time
It was evening time, around 7pm but there was some light nearby not only from the Christmas lights but also from nearby street lights.Lighting
I wanted the Christmas lights to really stand out but had to be careful not to overexpose them. At the same time, I needed enough lighting to ensure the boat would still be seen in the background. The lighting nearby was perfect. It was all about setting the camera just right.Equipment
I used a Nikon D5300 with an 18-140mm lens. I had the camera on a mactrem tripod and used a remote to control the shutter.Inspiration
I was out strolling downtown Port Orchard, WA taking photos of all the Christmas decorations. I always carry a photography sphere with me and am looking for new and interesting ways to use it. I found a spot at the docks where there was a slight indent on the dock post. I figured it may just hold the sphere perfectly and carefully set it in place. With the Christmas lights and boat in the background, it added the perfect touch.Editing
I did slight post-processing through lightroom and photoshop to dehaze the photo and adjust highlights to ensure the centers of each Christmas light were not blown out.In my camera bag
I always have my Nikon D5300 and three lenses: 18-140mm, 50 mm, and 70-300mm. I also always have my flash, remote for the shutter, and an extra battery. Depending on weather, I may also carry a camera rain jacket. If I am planning on night photography or anything requiring a slow shutter speed, I take my tripod with me.Feedback
A tripod and a remote for the shutter are necessary! Having a long shutter with minimal risk of shake from holding the camera is key. The clarity will not be the same without these tools. Additionally, patience; take the time to set the tripod at just the right spot and angle to catch the vision you desire. Adjust the settings. Even if you think you got it right the first time, play around a bit and try different settings. Once on the computer and editing, you may find you like something different than what you had thought while actually shooting the scene.
