I have been eyeing this spot for over a year--it's the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) rail station for our city. The only problem has been that in order to get this shot, I have to stop on the side of a highway overpass and exit the car to take it. It's a very busy place with multiple lanes and it's right before anyone going southbound hits the city of Atlanta.
I've wanted a night shot of this spot, and I'm coming to the realization that even with a tripod, the traffic whizzing by at about 60+ miles would be unsafe, and it would never allow a slow exposure.
Because I'm doing ONS8, and today is transportation, I decided to see if Saturday traffic might be better for the shot (it's not). I also had two lenses in mind (my wide-angle 14mm) or my 35mm (which acts as a nifty-fifty on my crop sensor). Once I stopped as far to the right as I could near the rail, I tested my settings while I was IN the car looking out the window--I did not want to use up time in this situation after I exited the car.
I used the wide-angle first, but I was too far away, and it became apparent I was going to have to clone away if I kept those shots, so I got back in the car, loaded the 50mm and adjusted settings. Back out, and then this was the best shot (which I did crop some for symmetry and to cut out a hedge of bushes at the front). The weather was still in flux, so I did not have rain, and luckily, the sun tried to peep through for a minute; therefore, I could get a low ISO with all the haze and have a nice tight aperture.
For processing, I used graduated filter on top (two of them) and then below I used a radial filter to improve clarity. I upped the saturation on this one as well. I have done a black and white processed photo, which you can find here: http://365project.org/darylo/didn-t-make-cut/2014-07-19. I like both! Pretty happy I could achieve this long-awaited shot! Not planning on getting in this location again for awhile. It's very anxiety producing. But aren't all one night stands in some way or another? ;)
@rellimdj I finally had the guts to do it. I can't see a night shot without a bunch more protection and some way to keep a tripod still, but I remember talking about it with you. Hope you are well!
Cool, love all the lines and curves. So could you tell me what the cooper hawk's nests look like so I could walk thru my woods and maybe find one. Thanks.
I'm going with the B and W on this one. Much more dramatic because of the tones. The blue tone of the process is odd to me for some reason. BUT, I do like the orange stop cones on this shot.... Anyway, curves lines and drama. All great elements
@sailingmusic Myrna the one near me is actually more in the open but high up in a pine tree. It took me a long time to find it and I'm sure people walk around not seeing them at all! They don't seem to go far from the nest to feed. Try staying atound outside for awhile and liayen for them! They are quiet in the nest but noisy nearby.
Oooo, so difficult. I started by viewing the B&W one and was certain that would be my favourite - great processing, extended tonal range, awesome sky... but there is something about this colour image that tugs at my sleeve, so I love both but this one gets my Fav!
ONS are indeed anxiety producing in some way or another? ;) this is brilliant - a fav for the image, the narrative and your awesomeness at braving the traffic!
I'm really really impressed with what you went through to capture the original image. Braver than I would be I think! But the outcome is well worth it. I like both the color and b&w. Very strong composition!
I can't decide between the two. They are both fabulous but I think because I viewed the colour one first, it ever so slightly has the edge. Fabulous processing, Daryl! What program do you use? And do you shoot in RAW?
@darylo Thanks for tagging me to see this...fantastic shot and a big "wow" from me. I never did get the guts to stop there - I tried once shooting blind out the passenger window and the results were, well, they never made it off the SD card LOL! Sadly my project in Atlanta has come to a close and next week will be my last in the wonderful city. Over the last 3 years I've really come to love the city and I'll miss it. I wish I had discovered this site and RPS much earlier in my project when it was slow and quiet, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you. Anyway, super shot, I've very much enjoyed viewing.
