The new camera setting challenge is about daytime long exposures with silky water. Given that we are on the lake in the summer, I wanted to try, particularly today with the winds howling and whitecaps on the lake. I stopped down to f40, the tightest I could go. I set the ISO to 50, the lowest point I could on my D600. With the sun behind the clouds, I took three shots using shutter speeds of 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15. I used HDR to combine into a single image. I would have stopped there BUT, I'm having horrible problems with oil on the camera sensor (a problem on D600s -- will be writing to Nikon if the store where I purchased it doesn't step up and resolve the problem when I get back to Chicago in two weeks). So, while I liked the image and the way it slowed down the lake, it was filled with spots. I cloned out as many as I could, but they still showed. So, I processed in Color Efex using the fog filter (helped a bit), low key (helped a bit more), polarizing (still more and toned down the fog too). Not my plan but once into it, couldn't stop. And now it's past midnight so I'm posting it as is. Best NOT to view large in case I've missed some spots!
I like the way the white caps glow. Don't know what you were gong for...and I am sure you had something in mind, but it is really beautiful and creative.
@sugarmuser@eyesmile Thanks Gena and Sharon! Gena, what I had in mind was not as dark as this ended up having to be. Other than that, I did end up fairly satisfied. Part of it is I'm so frustrated about the oil spots that even though I've cleaned up as best I can, I feel like they are still visible (not rational, I know).
Very moody and broody. Sorry about the oil - incredibly frustrating. I just bought a D7100 last night because of all the bad press with the D600. I just didn't want to deal with it.
The image,color and processing are amazing.I so wish I knew what it all means..lol.But I know what I like when I see it.Thank you so much for mentioning the camera settings you used.I love the silky water look and want to experiment.
Love this moody shot! Reflecting your mood by the sound of it! How frustrating! Hope you can sort it out when You go back to Chicago and I hope the shop ae helpful!
Love the soft mysterious feeling, so great processing and that sky is so dreamy blue and that white on the beach goes well with it. Great that you took on a new challenge but sorry about the camera problems, oil on sensor does not sound great...
You made me laugh when I read best NOT to view large. You had a powerful camera; the range of setting is so wide. I hope that you can get the sensor sorted it out. But it does not stop you getting such a beautifully rich colored shot.
Try as I might, I don't see any oil spots. What I DO see is a gorgeous image of the lake. I love the feel and effect you strived for - another terrific one!
this is very cool, I still don't understand most of the jargon and not sure I want to get into it that deeply, but WOW if this is the results of understanding jargon maybe I should!
@jodimuli Thanks Joey -- I'm starting to enjoy the editing ALMOST as much as the photographing. I find I see things and start thinking about what I will do with them post photographing. That's one of the big changes for me on 365.
@kazlamont Thanks for the lead on the article, Kazzy. I need to learn as much as I can about how to deal with it for the next two weeks, and then how to argue my case that they take care of the problem, once back.
I too need a sensor clean. I wondered why the spots are more noticeable when I have a small aperture...which is what you have used here.
I found this link http://photographylife.com/why-sensor-dust-is-more-visible-at-small-apertures
The diagram makes perfect sense. So I have been using larger apertures...until I can tear myself away from my camera to get it cleaned. :)