This was a once in a lifetime shot. Because of the positioning of the sun during that time of the year the weathered tin siding gave off a purple-orange glow. ...
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This was a once in a lifetime shot. Because of the positioning of the sun during that time of the year the weathered tin siding gave off a purple-orange glow.
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Top Shot Award 22
Fall Award 2020
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
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Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This Photo was taken in Bodie, Ca. A ghost town in the Sierra Nevada's that is preserved incredibly well. I got my degree in photography from the University of California at Santa Cruz and have been shooting ever since. I love photography and am trying to turn it into my profession.Time
This photo was taken in the late afternoon in October. This is hands down one of my favorite images I have ever taken. I think the oranges and purples contrast perfectly; making the image very pleasing to the eye. This image speaks to me; whenever I look at it I imagine what it must have looked like when the town was in full swing before getting abandoned. Who constructed this building? How many people have looked through this window? The surprisingly vibrant aged wood is a testament to how well this town is hanging on.Lighting
The warm sun was sitting perfectly in the sky to create an orange glow on the aged tin siding of the building. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity as the winter sun sits lower in the sky allowing the orange glow in the purple to happen. As it is in the winter, the sun light is softer, so the reflection is less harsh. I love how the edges of the photo remained darker, helping draw the the eye around the frame because of the circle of purple around the window.Equipment
I did not use a tripod for this shot or many of my shots for that matter. I enjoy the freedom of being able to move around and try different angles without having to set up the tripod. I was using a Canon Rebel XS with a kit 18-55mm lens; which was hands down my favorite lens at the time. I believe I had the white balance set to the light for a cloudy day, it tricks the camera into adding more warmth to cut down on post processing.Inspiration
I had family that worked in Bodie during its prime. As I said above a window feels like a glimpse into the past. Maybe my ancestors looked into the same window at one point in time. This building has seen and been through so much and shows its age very gracefully considering the surrounding area. I like taking photos that try to tell a story or invoke thought. The other thing that inspired me to take this photo was the color. It was a perfect color contrast. Almost like something one would see on a color wheel in introduction to art classes. It was too good to pass up. I remember running over with a smile on my face to try and capture it before the lighting changed.Editing
I have a love hate relationship with photo shop and post processing. I try to keep it to things you could do in a dark room. I was taught to try to take an image that does not need to be post processed; to rely on the camera; not the processing. So for this photo I believe all I did was increase the vibrancy, dodge the edges to make them a little darker, add a yellow filter, and also add a little more magenta to make the siding really pop.In my camera bag
I no longer have my Canon Rebel XS. I am now shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II. Going for the full frame was the next step. I love this camera; the clarity and low light abilities are incredible. As for lenses I walk around with a F1.8 50mm, a F2.8 70-200mm L, a F4 24-105mm wide angle L, and a F4 17-40mm Super Wide L. Besides lenses I use a polarized filter, a 6 stop neutral density filter, and UV filters. If the situation calls for it I throw on a canon speed light 430 with a diffuser to add some extra light.Feedback
The best advice I can give is to have an open mind and to be patient. You can go to a location a hundred times but the lighting could be wrong 99 times. Just keep you're eyes open. Constantly frame your surrounding area and always think of what an area would look like as a photograph. Try a few different settings on the camera, even if you think you got it the first try. Try new angles, new settings, different filters; you may uncover something you could never have imagined. The first angle you thought you liked may be overtaken by a completely different angle, or you'll get home and wish you tried from a different view. Be creative and adventurous, but most importantly continue loving what you do. Cause thats the whole point; and it will show in your images.