Stephanie at Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed
Feb, 2019Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
Fairy Glen, nr Betws-y-Coed in North Wales.Time
We (Stephanie and I) arrived at the location shortly after 9am; it was the first week of school holidays in July. There was only one other photographer capturing images of the reflection on the water and the morning light through the glen when we arrived, so we went about and did out work about 20-50 yards away. By the time we moved to this part of the glen, it was about 11am, the other photographer had moved on, but families were starting to arrive for picnics and to enjoy Welsh landscape in sunshine. This had been intended as a nude in location (which we managed in the first half of the morning), but with the arrival of families, we of course went for covered with the pink blouse. To end the shoot entirely, the glassy reflection of the water was disrupted when a couple in wetsuits decided to submerge themselves in the water for a swim!Lighting
Natural light, no reflectors. We had clear skies the day before, but it was somewhat overcast on this day, but this may have benefitted our shoot as the clouds proved to be a galactic-sized softbox (with further diffusion from the trees and valley) and spared having to fight harsh sunspots and shadows.Equipment
Nikon D7500 and flitted between the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (this shot was taken at the long end of the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8) and hand held.Inspiration
I was inspired by so many water reflection images and, having captured one of my own with a charging swan, I wanted to try the same with a model. Previous attempts hadn't been as successful as this series.Editing
A bit of tweaking to the colours and exposure and some cloning out of some white flecks on the water that disturbed the 'cleanness' of the reflective surfaceIn my camera bag
Too much! I always end up bringing up items that perhaps I should use, but rarely use. Equipment wise, I've now had the chance to change from a Nikon D7000 to a Nikon D7500, I still have my nifty 50mm f1.8, a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and Sigma 70-200 f28. I also have a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 for landscapes and have recently acquired a Nikon 35mm f1.8. I no longer use my Tamron 18-270mm as it's starting to show its age and is a little limiting without a fixed aperture. Extras will depend on the shoot (reflectors, flashguns, tripod/monopod, batteries, fabrics, gels etc).Feedback
Scout your location, not only to identify the angles and positions to shoot from but also to know your footing and grabholds, if needed when walking there and what equipment is necessary, without overloading yourself by carrying too much. Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful to others who may also visit a well-known beauty spot for recreational purposes. Respect the model's modelling levels and comfort when working outside with potential onlookers: no means no.
