Ping Tom Memorial Park xv
Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA - August 2019
Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA - August 2019
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Aug, 2019Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award 21
Spring 21 Award
Featured
9Teen Award
Contest Finalist in Rivers Galore Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 25
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 24
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in Ping Tom Park just South of the Chicago Loop. I've photographed this placed many times prior to this, but I've never done aerial photography at this location.Time
Although Chicago might not be known for terrific sunsets, summer in Chicago produces a few stunners every year. I wasn't sure on this particular day if the sunset was going to be ok or not. I walked an hour to this location and I kept thinking that it wasn't going to be worth it but then I arrived and saw the clouds hanging over the skyscrapers and instantly knew it was one of the best sunsets I've ever been able to capture.Lighting
Chicago is always tricky to photograph at sunrise and sunset since it's a linear city spreading north and south. I like shooting at Ping Tom Park since it faces north so I can still get light from a sunset without any buildings blocking the light. This lighting did just come down to luck more than anything else. The clouds were epic and slightly menacing which really pushes the mood.Equipment
This was shot with a DJI Mavic Air drone.Inspiration
I actually tried this image a few days prior only to find that my microSD card had been corrupted. I was so motivated to get out and try to capture what I had the previous attempt that I just kept trying at that location. I'm so fortunate that the card actually did corrupt because the first day of images never came close to this final one.Editing
I don't typically edit my images much. I played with different saturation and luminance levels to make the color more punchy since the camera on my drone tends to flatten out the color a bit. I increased the contrast and played with highlights and shadows until I found the right middle ground. Lastly, I modified the color temperature slightly to push the slightest hint of pinks and yellows a bit more.In my camera bag
I typically have three lenses (24mm, 50mm, 70-200mm), my Canon 77D, Mavic Air Drone, 3 Legged Thing Travis Tripod and a variety of Formatt-Hitech Firecrest Filters.Feedback
Plan to shoot at a location multiple times. It's easy to settle for decent images but to capture truly magnificent images, sometimes it takes 3-5 sessions at a spot.
