This was taken in the Smoky Mountains in TN.
This was taken in the Smoky Mountains in TN.
Read less
Read less
Views
661
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Member Selection Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Peer Award
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photograph on a hiking path in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Not to far outside of Gatlinburg.Time
This shot was taken on a rainy morning at about 10:00 am.Lighting
This shot is actually a composite (HDR) of five different shots -1 EV, +-2 EV and 0 EV, so that I could capture the richness of all of the colors and pick up the dimension in the trees with the mist. The lighting was beautifully diffused do to the mist.Equipment
This was shot on tripod with my Canon 60D. I used my 17-40mm f/4 Canon lens at a focal length of 20mm. I did not use any filters and it was shot with the ambient light.Inspiration
The trail had about moderate traffic at that time. The combination of the bend which blocked the view of any other hikers, the contrast between the reddish dirt and the green foliage and the mood created by a path going into the unknow are what caused me to take this picture. The sense of drama was increased for me as one of the hikers had excitedly told me about how a black bear had just crossed very close to her on the path. I had very mixed feelings about the possibility of being up close and personal with a bear.Editing
I used Photomatrix to combine the different exposures into a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image. I then processed in photoshop with Nix plug ins. It is hard to tell people exactly what I do as I just play around with different filter effects until I am happy with it. I generally use detail extraction on all of my images and then finish up with Topaz Denoise.In my camera bag
Of course this has changed over the years. It is funny as you get older and can afford better gear you also feel the effects of time and are less able to carry around a heavy camera bag. I shoot many types of photography and do not like to be limited by the choice of lenses that I have with me. So I usually have at least one macro lens. My favorite these days is a 100mm fixed lens. If I go with the intent to try my hand at some bird photography or to shoot the moon I have my 600mm Tamron lens. A wonderful friend has lent me her 30-700mm Cannon L series lens so I finally have some really nice glass in my bag. While the nice equipment helps I want to stress it is not necessary to take a beautiful shot. I still do not have a professional camera. Hoping to win one here on Viewbug :) Of course I always carry numerous memory cards and back up batteries, a lens cloth, a pen flashlight, generally a flash unit and all importantly snacks.Feedback
They key is getting familiar with you exposure compensation function on your camera. (Sorry but yes you will probably have to read the manual) Having a tripod is almost essential. I say almost, as these days the align feature in programs such as Aurora HDR can correct for quite a bit. And also have bear spray with you :)