July 24, 2009

In and Around Houston #10

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.

9 comments:

  1. 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.
    Debbie

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  2. 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.
    Anne

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  3. Great "Around Houston" series Larry. Here's my top five in order from best to rest - #7, #6, #9, #3, #10. Ecellent job overall.

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  4. I hope you at least finished your day of photos by rewarding yourself with a piece of pecan pie at Goode Co. BBQ!

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  5. Larry, could you help educate me. What advantage does a polarizing filter give you when photographing a night scene?

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  6. Fine 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.
    Ella

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  7. 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.
    Ted

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  8. I'm guessing the polarizer helped with some glare he was having off one of the objects in the shot.

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  9. I 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.
    Mike
    PS I enjoy your photos and your writeups. I have learned a lot from your blog.
    Mike

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