cramerimaging

Ice Castle

Jan, 2018

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1904

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+174

Awards

Action Award

Winner in Winter landscape Photo Challenge

Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 22

Legendary Award

Winner in waterfalls/cascades Photo Challenge

Community Choice Award

People's Choice in Mystifying Blue Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+64

Absolute Masterpiece

+32

Top Choice

+17

Superb Composition

+16

Outstanding Creativity

+11

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Genius

Superior Skill

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Impressed

Happy

Relaxed

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in Idaho Falls. I was there hoping to take a different shot I had been visualizing for a few weeks. I had my opportunity that day. This photo was one of those unexpected bonuses which typically end up being my best work. I noticed this interesting ice formation in a portion of the waterfall which gives Idaho Falls its name.

Time

I shot this photo during the evening blue hour. It was a much earlier blue hour than normal because of the cloudy skies which accelerated the dark that day. I was going for a deep blue feel with my photos and that day provided just what I needed. I took this photo on January 8, 2018.

Lighting

This was entirely natural light. I noticed that the blue hour was adding an amazing color tone to the ice and snow of the waterfall. Thanks to the blue hour light, I was able to take a full multiple second long exposure of the water without the need for neutral density filters.

Equipment

I shot this photo with a Nikon D7200 and a Tamron 70-300mm lens. I also had my Vanguard tripod with an Espod Plus 233 AP head and my Nikon MC-DC2 trigger release to round out the equipment. That's all I used.

Inspiration

I had noticed some amazingly clear river water a few weeks previous on a trip we were taking. I had been planning a shot using that pristine river reflection. While out on that shoot, I checked out other photo opportunities since it's the unexpected bonus photos which usually end up being my best shots of the day. I wanted to try the waterfall over the dam and noticed a very particular ice formation which looked like an arch from where I was standing. Since that's not something you see everyday, even in a snowy climate, I decided I wanted to try a shot to see what would happen.

Editing

When I looked at this photo on my computer screen and began thinking about how I wanted to work with it, I felt like I wanted to go dark with the overall exposure. It matched the mood of the ice. I went with a cool overall temperature and dimmed the highlights. To really draw attention to the ice formation which had captured my attention, I went with deep dark tones and a vignette. To really smooth things out, I also took down the clarity and contrast. It was mostly superficial post-processing.

In my camera bag

I carry a Nikon D7200 rather permanently attached to a Custom Brackets Digital Pro-E flash bracket. I love the ease which this high end flash bracket allows me to switch from landscape to portrait mode on a tripod and back again. It makes life in the field so much easier for me. My go-to lenses are the Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens and a Tamron 70-300mm telephoto lens with 1:2 macro capabilities. These have served me faithfully for several years in photography. I also pack a Nikkor 50mm prime for those times when I need f/1.8. I also carry a Nikon Speedlight SB-700 for those times when natural light just isn't enough. My Hoodman hood-loupe, highly recommended by Scott Kelby, also goes with me. With it, I can see what my camera screen is showing me even in exceedingly bright light which would otherwise prevent me viewing my newly taken photos. My sling bag does get heavy with all this gear, but I know that I'm prepared for all kinds of photo opportunities.

Feedback

Snow and cold can be some barriers to getting great photography. This part of the evening can be especially brutal on your hands. I know that I can't manipulate the buttons and dials on my camera and wear warm gloves at the same time. It just won't work. On winter shoots, I've started taking a special set of gloves with me which don't have full fingers. I can manipulate my camera functions and still keep my hands warm enough to get the shot in. If you want to pursue winter photography like this, make sure that you plan to keep your hands warm or the light will change before you can get your camera ready for the shot.

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cramerimaging

cramerimaging

Ice Castle

Behind The Lens

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