February 19, 2010

Trying to Capture Some Lighting

A couple weeks ago, I was heading to Galveston to scout for a portrait session that I had booked when I noticed a lot of lightning off in the distance. I pulled my car off the freeway near a marsh where I hoped to get a few nice lightning bolts; but, alas, nothing.

Just for the record, I was not so stupid as to stand outside and try to get the shot of lightning. Rather, I took the “chicken” way out—I stayed in my car and hopped for the best.

I wanted the photo to depict the mood that I felt while watching the storm unfold in front of me. I thought that black and white would do that best.

Enjoy.

Camera settings: Nikon D3, Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 shot at 36mm, ISO 200, f/16 and 1/125th of a second with various strobes triggered remotely.

Post Processing:

Lightroom—Set white and black points.

Photoshop—used nik Silver Efex Pro to convert photo to black and white.

11 comments:

  1. I really like the dark brooding feel of this shot. I like the movement in the water. I also like the different areas of dark and light throughout the photo, which to me gives it depth. Really nice job with this one.

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  2. I can just image the lightning going off. It was probably an interesting sight. How about painting in some lighting for the rest of us? Definitely a moody shot.
    Debbie

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  3. I have tried several times to shoot this marsh area and have never been happy with what I got. I have even thought of bringing a ladder to get a viewpoint to show the islands of grasses better. This brooding, contrasty black and white is not an edit I would ever have thought of, and it makes a very dramatic image. I like your composition with the wave of grasses in the foreground and the line of another area of grass leading you off into the distance. And what a fantastic sky. Dramatic, and intense --- wonderful!

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  4. Somewhat unusual composition with the brightest part of the image being at the center top of the photo. But, even with that, your eye moves easily throughout the photo. Here I think breaking the rules has helped make this a stronger photo. Nice.
    The Professor

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  5. Great sky. Maybe a little too dark for me. Your camera position is perfect.
    Sid

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  6. Great shot. I love the way the shape of the grass and cloud is rhymed. Nice work. Would like to hear how you used your flashes.

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  7. This photo has what everyone strives to achieve in landscapes, a feeling of three dimension. The light on the weeds in the foreground provide a solid anchor within the photo. Of course, the sky is the story.
    Anne

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  8. The sky is dramatic but I believe the way the sky and the reef seem to reflect each other is what makes the photo inviting. I find myself looking deeper and deeper into the photo. Like this one a lot.
    Sam

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  9. Not impressed with it. Too dark, too broody.
    Charles M

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  10. Larry, great composition. Moody and very nice! The B&W really makes this pop. I've been with Cindi when she commented on this area. You have really captured it nicely!! Congrats!!

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