At the End of the Line - Best of Show Intermediate Special Topic - February 2010
Photographer: Keith Clements
Image Title: At the End of the Line
Date: February 2010 - Best of Show Intermediate Special Topic
Score: 23/27
Comments from Judges: Lots of WOW WOW WOW. This is what black and white should be.
Q. How did you set the shot up?
I had been thinking about the February photo contest for awhile. I decided that I wanted to try and tackle the Special Topic, which was snow. I wasn't quite sure what my subject would be? In late december as I looked out my kitchen window, after a fresh snow, I was taken back by the beautiful early morning light reflecting off the snow and creating deep shadows. The lighting was perfect so I grabbed my camera, tri-pod, and set out to see what I could find. A short distance from my home I stumbled upon the railroad bridge covered in fresh snow. The early morning light was beautiful and creating deep shadows. I could visualize the black and white image. I knew this was the shot I was looking for. I brought my tri-pod to insure that I would have a sharp clear photograph. It seems that a lot of the time I will set out to take a photo that I have in mind, and all of a sudden something else will catch my eye. It usually turns out that the un expected photo will be my the best photo. Because of this I always try to be conscious of my surroundings and keep my eyes out for other possible images. Just take the time to look.
Q. What equipment did you use?
The photo was taken with a Nikon D90. I used a 18-105 mm Nikkor lens, and a Velbon El Carmagne Carbon fiber tri-pod. For those looking for a reliable, sturdy, inexpensive tri-pod, in my opinion this one is a great deal. It is sold at Best Buy for $99.00. The same tri-pod is sold at the major online photo equipment distributors for around $250. I did change to a Ballhead camera mount. This tri-pod was recommended to me by one of our club members. Keep in mind if your thinking about purchasing equipment ask a few of our experienced photographers., you ill be glad you dd.
Q. What f-stop and exposure?
The photo was taken using ISO 200 at f/4.8. The camera was set to the auto program shooting mode.
Q. How many attempts before the success?
I took a total of six photos. I tried to experiment by taking photos at different angles, ie a lower perspective, and higher perspectives. I wanted to take advantage of the early morning light and beautiful shadows to get the best black and white photo.
Q. What did you learn from taking the shot?
The main thing I learned was to try and take more time in setting up the photo. In this case, If I were to re shoot this image I would change my camera settings to aperture priority and shot at f/16-f/22. A clear sharp depth of field is very important in a photo like this. I also learned how to work with Photoshop Elements program to convert this photo from a colored photograph into a decent black and white photo.
Q. What did you learn from the image being judged at competition?
I have learned that it's great to have impartial viewers critique and look at your work. I found out a long time ago that what I think my image looks like is not always what others see. My mind is pretty good at tricking me into believing that the image in my head is the same one on paper. I take criticism as a tool for improvement.
