While I do often go out specifically to photograph, there are just as many times when I venture out simply to be in nature, walk my dog Jack, let my thoughts wander, and escape my computer and office work.
On this January morning, Jack and I headed out with no fixed goals beyond stretching our legs and experiencing the day. A light snow had fallen, and temperatures had dipped in recent days. I drove us through an area where I’d previously spotted owls, then made my way toward a small park along the river.
Once out of the vehicle, Jack made a beeline for the water, so I followed. I was struck by the beautiful stillness of the scene before me. A willow tree I’ve photographed over the years had now collapsed into the water in a rather poetic way. Ice with a dusting of snow floated in the river, providing lovely leading lines, and the still water created a perfect reflection.
I had my camera with a 28-400mm lens in my fanny pack (I love this lightweight and versatile combo for capturing unexpected moments), so with Jack leashed around my waist as I tried to keep him out of the water and from disturbing the reflection, I framed up a couple of handheld shots of the scene.
The technical details:
- Camera: Nikon Z8
- Lens: NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR
- Focal length: 70mm
- ISO: 500
- Aperture: f 10
- Shutter speed: 1/160 sec
- Focus mode: Single Point
- Mode: Aperture priority
Editing:
When editing, my first step is always to consider the mood and feeling I’d like to convey to my viewer. For this image, I was looking for a muted, painterly feel.
I used Lightroom Classic as my primary editing tool. I wanted the scene to feel soft, so I lifted the blacks and reduced clarity and contrast in the distant areas of the image to emphasize the feeling of recession. I felt the central area around the fallen tree limbs and beyond felt quite dense, so I introduced some lightness and separation there.
I added some cool tones into the shadows and some luminance into the oranges. I used 21 small adjustment masks – preferring these small, targeted adjustments over more heavy-handed global ones.
If you’re interested in learning more about my photographic and editing techniques and thought processes, I offer mentoring sessions in person or via Zoom so please do get in touch!