Photo
Jan, 2020Views
31
Likes
Awards
Fall Award 2020
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
northern California, United StatesTime
SunsetLighting
The lighting was ever-changing around sunset. At times it draped over the trees more, the moon eventually peeked through the clouds, but it I prefer this shot when the light is catching the bottom of the clouds and reflected in the lake. The best feature about the light is how it sweeps across all of the peaks.Equipment
Nikon D3200, 18-55 mm lens, Lee grad ND filters, tripod, and Haida polarizer. My camera gear has been a topic a topic of discussion among my partner and I, and while I have learned so many techniques can operate no matter the level of gear, more advanced gear would certainly improve my workflow. But I'm happy to see based on feedback in the community that my images show it's the photographer that makes the image, not the gear.Inspiration
I am a geologist, and with that comes opportunities to travel and see amazing, unique landscapes. It's rarely stated how often amazing landscapes are synonymous with equally amazing geology. This photo is quite special to me because Lassen Peak, the shy volcano hiding in the clouds, is part of my research. While spending three weeks and a week straight of hiking this mountain and the set of lava domes (Chaos Crags) in the left portion of the image, there was good weather for field work, but horrible for photography. Then for one day, sleet and all manner of weather descended onto the park and I had the best day-off for photography I have ever experienced. Continually driving throughout the park, low clouds and mist were constantly changing the mood. The day was eventually capped off by this incredible sunset.Editing
At the time I was a novice to photoshop and post-processing, so only global edits were done to this and not many at that. What you see is what I got! Then a slight crop was applied to remove distracting elements around the edge.In my camera bag
Again, I still have a modest set up and inevitably would rather allocate funds toward travel versus gear. My set up includes a Nikon D3200, three lenses (18-55, 55-300, and 105 mm macro), LEE filters (0.2, 0.3 grad ND, 10-stop), Haida polarizer, Manfroto tripod, Promaster dual rotating ball head, and a Wandrd 21 L backpack.Feedback
So many times I feel like a headless chicken chasing light or frustrated about not having enough time to find that perfect composition to suit the light. My advice is to be as prepared as possible (sun position, know the area, back-up compositions) so when you do turn into a headless chicken, you can react fast. Finally, enjoy it! Take time to reflect afterward, if not during, about the moment and the location.
