This is the story behind four images, made during a long awaited photography getaway.
I embarked on a quest for light, texture, layers and composition, knowing that within the struggle great joy emerges when an image comes to life. Landscape photography is a lonesome game, best conquered by oneself.
Image number 1
Zigzagging my way towards “golden hour location”, threatening clouds were looming over the horizon. Finding a matching subject, I rushed to compose this dramatic scene nature provided for just a brief moment.
Camera settings (when on a tripod) are fairly easy for most landscape images. It boils down to setting the desired aperture at ISO 100 and ride the shutter speed to finish off the exposure.
This shot is set at 1/160s F10 ISO 100 at 89mm.
After capturing the image, most of the work has yet to begin. Post-processing is an inherent part of the final image, especially when shooting RAW.
All these images are edited with the Lightroom app on an iPad.
Image number 2
Arriving at my golden hour location “le Tombeau du Géant” or “Tomb of the Giant” things were not looking so promising. However, after waiting out the rain, hail and snow, the sky turned for the better. It was a great reminder of why weather systems are a photographers best friend. It makes battling the elements worthwhile, giving a sense of fulfillment.
Shot at 1/25s, F7,1 ISO 100 at 35mm.
Image number 3
The next day I was driving along the road between “Vresse-sur-Semois” and “Membre” when a tree along the river caught my attention. It was an overcast day, meaning the sky was a giant soft box resulting in diffuse light with muted colors.
I saw a great opportunity and set-up along the road.
I waited for about 30 minutes for the swans to appear in the shot. However, in retrospect I prefer the image without them. The reflection of the tree is more prominent and I don’t think the swans support the image as well as I hoped.
Shot at 1/320s, F4 ISO 100 at 145mm.
Image number 4
I kinda surprised myself with this image being my favorite of the trip. I don’t fully comprehend why. It is different than my regular style of shooting and feels like a painting.
It has no clear subject, however the white birch trees are balancing out the image with earthy tones contributing to the atmosphere.
The numerous branches, and twigs above the white birch trees appears as if the cloning tool over delivered, but it was in fact the way it looked in real life.
Shot at 1/25s, F14 ISO 100 at 180mm.
Final thoughts
Seeing the potential a scene has to offer is a great skill to learn and continuously develop. It’s up to the creator to prevision the impact of your focal length, composition, light and post-processing. next image shows what was seen outside the car window driving along image number 3. non-photographers would never notice, while photographers see things different.
These four subjects represent my “best of” a four day trip. I was pleased with the results but most importantly, enjoyed the photography getaway.
Thank you for reading along.