Morning Light

[Stagecoach]

Venturing out early to see if I could do anything with this single tree at the foreshore today I tried to use the changing light to my advantage with the scene. I'm not sure if I achieved my goal but would like to hear any ideas on how I can improve things with this scene as I can do a re-shoot over the weekend if the weather remains agreeable.

I did forget to take my ND and GND with me which could be of benefit and I am able to get a slightly lower perspective. These images are uncropped with minor basic PP.

No 1 - 1/15s, f/11


No 2 - 1/250s, f14


No 3 - 1/8s, f/11


Grahame

[Kyle]

Really nice set. I like 1 and 2 more than 3, but 3 is still great. Absolutely stunning photos. I think you caught the light at the perfect angle on 2. Really draws you to both the tree and the sunset.

[Brownbear]

Hi Grahame,

All gorgeous. #1 and #3 are my favourites, with #3 being my absolute favourite. I love the tree and the shimmery silvery and light angelic water and clouds.

The only thing I can think of is that #3 would likely be very nice in a portrait orientation including the reflection of the tree - if you can find the same light.

[Stagecoach]

Really nice set. I like 1 and 2 more than 3, but 3 is still great. Absolutely stunning photos. I think you caught the light at the peferect angle on 2. Really draws you to both the tree and the sunset.

Thank you Kyle, it's a scene I have attempted before without much luck.

[Stagecoach]

Hi Grahame,

All gorgeous. #1 and #3 are my favourites, with #3 being my absolute favourite. I love the tree and the shimmery silvery and light angelic water and clouds.

The only thing I can think of is that #3 would likely be very nice in a portrait orientation including the reflection of the tree - if you can find the same light.

Hi Christina, I thought I'd give the bugs a break and experiment with land/seascapes

I may have a portrait shot of the tree but if not will definitely do that tomorrow. Sadly I missed a shot as one of the herons flew off. It's surprising the fast change in light over around a 30 minute period that's why I want to get some compositional/affect ideas planned before a further try.

Grahame

[Brownbear]

Thank you for doing so. I need some inspiration. I went for a two hour walk the other day and looked for bugs in all the flowers and bushes, nada, not one to be found!

I think capturing that scene with a heron in flight (equally perfect) would be impossible. It's beautifully perfect as is.

Hi Christina, I thought I'd give the bugs a break and experiment with land/seascapes

I may have a portrait shot of the tree but if not will definitely do that tomorrow. Sadly I missed a shot as one of the herons flew off. It's surprising the fast change in light over around a 30 minute period that's why I want to get some compositional/affect ideas planned before a further try.

Grahame

[wyogirl]

beautiful shots... I prefer the first two over the last, with the second being favorite.

[Downrigger]

Grand work, Grahame. Light in each of these is beautiful and in each differently - wouldn't know how to choose between them, but the array of delicate pastels in the third is awfully special. The (almost) still water on this scale works so very well with the skies.

I like very much how you have placed the horizon and located it through the body of that stupendous tree, but if you are going to work more with this one, I'd consider, without having a good idea of how it might work out, experimenting with different heights for the camera.

[chauncey]

As an FYI thingy...I have been playing with the "Color Look-up Adjustment Layer" with interesting results.

[FootLoose]

Nice work, Grahame. The same subject under 3 different kinds of lighting produces 3 different pictures and all very good. The herons in the 3rd are a nice touch for scrupulous viewer.

[Stagecoach]

beautiful shots... I prefer the first two over the last, with the second being favorite.

Thank you Amanda,

[Stagecoach]

Grand work, Grahame. Light in each of these is beautiful and in each differently - wouldn't know how to choose between them, but the array of delicate pastels in the third is awfully special. The (almost) still water on this scale works so very well with the skies.

I like very much how you have placed the horizon and located it through the body of that stupendous tree, but if you are going to work more with this one, I'd consider, without having a good idea of how it might work out, experimenting with different heights for the camera.

Thanks for commenting Mark, I think you are right about experimenting with height, it's just too easy to set the tripod at a comfortable standing height but I reckon a lower perspective may just get the branches of the tree fully in the sky area.

I'll note these ideas down so I'm prepared.

[IzzieK]

Those were most beautiful, Grahame...I like all of them and can't really choose which is my favourite of the three and I agree with Christina about doing the last one as a portrait. The herons are a nice touch too. Simply beautiful. What a nice scene you have chosen as your topic. Words are seldom enough to express the beauty of nature as presented.

[Stagecoach]

As an FYI thingy...I have been playing with the "Color Look-up Adjustment Layer" with interesting results.

Chauncey, that tool is not available with Elements which I use but there are many ways the colours can be altered in these but at my stage I'd rather spend time just now trying to get the captures improved before playing too much.

[Stagecoach]

Nice work, Grahame. The same subject under 3 different kinds of lighting produces 3 different pictures and all very good. The herons in the 3rd are a nice touch for scrupulous viewer.

Thanks Greg, yes it's quite surprising the difference a short time makes.

[deetheturk]

Very nice set Grahame,i like them all for different reasons,but at a push its #2 that gets my vote,well done bud!

David

[ShaneS]

I like the 1st and 3rd Grahame...the first for the full reflection of the tree and I wonder how that one would look like in mono with a bit less sky?

Love the detail in the 3rd and I like the character of the tree.

The color in the 2nd is hard to beat but I really miss the full reflection that you showed us in the 1st.

The changes in color of light in these shots is a great reminder of how fast the light can change around sunrise and sunset and how patience is often rewarded with very different feelings evoked in the images captured.

[dje]

All very nice in their own right Grahame. You've captured some lovely light. Great work, I really like these.

Dave

[John 2]

The last two if I'm to choose but three nice compositions showing a changing mood.

[Stagecoach]

Very nice set Grahame,i like them all for different reasons,but at a push its #2 that gets my vote,well done bud!

David

Cheers David, the more I look at No 1 that's my favourite.

You'll never believe this, I was at the foreshore tonight 'playing' with the camera and whilst stood back during a long exposure I happened to spot eyes peering at me over the top edge of the ND filter, a jumping spider a bit larger than the ones I have found so far but he stayed still for the full 20 second exposure

Grahame