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Lobster Trap Christmas Tree



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Description

Description
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267

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Awards

Top Shot Award 22
Contest Finalist in Holiday Lights Photo Contest 2018
Peer Award
karinmcfarlane s1v4rt_pro BorisToronto

Top Ranks

Creative Boundaries Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken in Cape Porpoise, Maine.

Time

It was around 6 pm (sunset was around 4:15)

Lighting

The street lights gave the scene a strong yellow cast. Color correction was pretty easy, though, given all the fresh powdery snow.

Equipment

Canon 5D MKII and 24-105 f4 IS

Inspiration

In coastal New England, many towns create Christmas trees out of old style wooden lobster traps. This one, just north of Kennebunkport ME, is on a village green along the main road. I had work in the area during the day and since there was fresh snow, decided to take the scenic route home, hoping to find some interesting holiday images. I had no idea that this tree was there. Expect the unexpected.

Editing

Besides the white balance correction, there was an orange electric extension cord that had to be cloned out. Then I probably used a couple favorite NIK Color Effects Pro filters (tonal contrast and maybe a light touch of bleach bypass) to pop the colors and textures. I added a light vignette but there was plenty of natural light falloff from the tree lights.

In my camera bag

I’ve changed to a Sony mirrorless body but generally I like a walk around zoom and a portrait lens (50mm f1.8) and/or wide angle handy. CPLs for all lenses; I keep an ND kit in the car for the wide. Extra batteries, extra cards and a lens pen. I also have an iPhone bag with Moment lenses, a mini tripod and wireless cable release.

Feedback

When you’re going to shoot snow, try to go out as soon as possible after it falls. It will still be clinging to twigs and needles on trees for that powdered sugar look. What’s on the ground will also be clean and fresh. You may need a polarizer if there’s bright sunlight. You may also need to over expose a bit - auto exposure will try to underexpose the snow to a boring grey. The tonal contrast filter, lightly applied, will bring up the texture.

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