I knew that my final photo needed to be either a sunset or night shot. I tried a sunset shot of the Houston skyline from near Jamial Skate Park, but I did not like the results. The skyline lacked a real glow that we often get during the summer.
I waited for the sun to go down and took several shots of the Houston downtown skyline, but all the shots looked like every other photo that I have seen of the downtown skyline.
I then remembered the statue of an armadillo in front of a restaurant on Kirby. I loaded-up my gear and headed to the armadillo. Again, I walked around the armadillo to find the best perspective to take the photo. After deciding on the perspective, I decided that I would probably need to use HDR to capture the full dynamic range within the photo.
I tried to use HDR but really did not like what was produced by Photomatix Pro. My photo is the combination of four exposures with various parts of each exposure masked-off.
Enjoy.
Camera settings: Nikon D3, Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 at 32mm with a polarizing filter attached, shot at ISO 200, f/8 and at seven different shutter speeds from -3 EV to +3 EV of a second on a tripod.
Post Processing:
Lightroom—Set white and black points, added mid-tone contrast, clarity.
Photoshop—combined four exposures in layers and then masked-off various elements of each layer in order to show only the portion of a given layer that I wanted to use.
Cool photo. I like the contrast between the black sky and the lighted areas. Your angle is also interesting. Not sure I would ever think of shooting a statue of an amadillo.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Only in Texas would we see an amadillo presented as art. I like the way you combined exposures to get a properly exposed image. I like the composition except for the rather large dark area in the right corner.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Great "Around Houston" series Larry. Here's my top five in order from best to rest - #7, #6, #9, #3, #10. Ecellent job overall.
ReplyDeleteI hope you at least finished your day of photos by rewarding yourself with a piece of pecan pie at Goode Co. BBQ!
ReplyDeleteLarry, could you help educate me. What advantage does a polarizing filter give you when photographing a night scene?
ReplyDeleteFine photo. Fine series. I am ready to come to Houston and let you escort me around with my camera. Enjoyed your concept and your execution. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteElla
I would never had thought to end your series with a shot lot this. In addition to your photographic skills, it shows you have a good scense of humor. Well done.
ReplyDeleteTed
I'm guessing the polarizer helped with some glare he was having off one of the objects in the shot.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the polarizing filter when I saw your write-up and then Wayne asked about it. I was not sure that you would reply, since you generally do not, so I tried some night shots with and without a polarizing filter and this is what I found. The colors in the shadow areas seem to be more saturated and there does not seem to be as much flare from lights. I would never have thought about using the polarizing filter at night. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMike
PS I enjoy your photos and your writeups. I have learned a lot from your blog.
Mike