danielbenjaminphoto

Bonsai rock splash

NIKON D7000

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 100 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 290/10

upload_date

Jul, 2015

Views

189

Likes

+13

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken at Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. It is a well know spot called Bonsai Rock.

Time

This was later in the afternoon, pushing towards sunset.

Lighting

It was around sunset but it was totally cloudy until the light broke through just before dropping below the horizon.

Equipment

Nikon D7000, 24-70mm.

Inspiration

I have always admired images of those place and wanted to go myself to photograph it and hopefully get a unique image. I was in the area for work and rushed over to Bonsai to catch sunset on the rock. Sadly when I got there it was completely overcast, as you can see in the photo the clouds clearing. I had to be back in Reno to finish work and was already running late but kept waiting to see if the clouds would break. It went from being incredibly calm and still to windy and rocky waters and then the sun peaked out creating the contrast I was going for. The wave crashing in the background added the uniqueness I was hoping for when I went.

Editing

General edits, contrast and curve adjustments. I did use PS to burn in the clouds a bit to give some depth.

In my camera bag

I stick to the gear I know best. My D7000 is old but I know how to use it like no other camera and always have it with me. I have a 10.5mm fisheye by Nikon, 35mmm & 50mm 1.8's, as well as my go to lens's 24-70 and 18-200.

Feedback

My advice to anyone hoping to photograph this place is simply to imagine it differently. I knew when I arrived the calm, clear waters that a lot of photographers emulate in their images would not be enough to create something I cared enough about to share. So when you go, stick around a while. Look at it from every perspective and find a way to make it your own. Even if it means getting in the water, climbing a tree or waiting out a storm, it'll be worth it.

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danielbenjaminphoto

danielbenjaminphoto

Bonsai rock splash

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow danielbenjaminphoto

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