Afternoon light on Gritman Pond
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007
Warren, Connecticut. A friend called yesterday wanting to get out and shoot fall colors. I think between shooting and raking leaves, I’ve about had it with fall. But, it’s good to move my butt so we decided to see about late afternoon light on Gritman pond, one of the many swamps around our town that fills up during rains and turns into more of a pond.
Here’s a piece for my photo journal and for those of you who think about such things: I got out of my truck and was already loaded for bear with 24-70 and circular polarizer on camera. I took some shots but they just did not get me excited. What to do? I was about to chalk it up to a bad day or lack of inspiration or cliche overload and go home but decided to change perspective instead. I put the 300mm f/4 on the camera, moved the polarizer to it (tip: buy lenses that can share expensive filters), lowered the tripod to near ground level and looked out at the same landscape with a different perspective. It was just what I needed and even though the resulting pictures aren’t as sharp as I’d have liked, I feel good about how I came to take them.
Just a single lens change made all the difference and got me excited. Sometimes we need to get out of our ruts and try seeing the world in a new way. That and get out more.
these shots knocked me out! is it possible to purchase a print for framing?
Will, I’ve not tried printing these large yet so before we talk prints let me test print some. I might have to redo them as super sharp focus was a problem (for me, not the gear) but we’ll see. It makes me really happy to know that you like them, thanks.
sounds good, let me know, i’d be interested in an 8×10 or 4×6 if the former is too large
here is a novice and potentialy silly question but do you allways use a tripod for these types of shots or do you just hold the camera?
Will, I’ll let you know, thanks.
Edward, I like to use a tripod because it gives me more exposure options. These were pretty slow shutter speeds so best on a tripod but if I went out to do it again and was trying for critical focus (for Will) I’d use a tripod, manual focus and use something called “hyperfocal focusing” which is manually setting the lens on the correct focal point for a particular aperture. There are markings on every lens to help with this. That place will give you deep and continuous focus (theoretically).
But, I use a tripod more than most people, I like it.
Richard, I really like shot #2 for the water reflections…beautiful.
Richard, I like each one of these outstanding landscapes. Number 3 and 4 are particularly fine. I can hardly wait to see prints and notecards.
Thanks Diane, the water is nice on that one and I left more of it in. I was a long way from the trees and shooting at low angle (close to the water) so getting everything in focus was hard. Tough shot, but fun.
Gary, I’ve not done much printing of these yet but I will soon. Thanks.