The MasterClass Series #3
Capturing the sunset colours and silhouettes – Camels at Pushkar
Equipment
EOS 5D Mark III
EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM
EXIF
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: f /6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/320
ISO: 100
Editing
Adobe Lightroom CC
After last week’s speed capture challenge, let’s now look at a challenge nature poses.
The story
This shot is from the Pushkar cattle fair. This annual fair attracts villagers and cattle from across Rajasthan. In this lucrative marketplace for livestock trading, sellers decorate the cattle to entice buyers. Hence, the fair is a visual treat for visitors and a delight for photographers. I have shot there a few times.
In one of my trips, at sunset, a minimal sprinkling of clouds set the horizon on fire. While the horizon was many hues of orange, the sky above was a striking blue. Well-defined sunbeams were bursting forth into the sky, thanks to the clouds.
Capturing the sunset colours challenge
Around sunset, the sky has intense light. Even more so in a desert. In a photograph, it looks washed out and too bright. As a result, we lose these magnificent colours. The challenge? Get them right in the shot.
The shot
I wanted to capture what I was seeing. So, stuck to near-normal Focal Length (52mm) and composed the image by hiding a dazzling setting sun behind the camel master. I ensured focus up to infinity using a narrow enough aperture (f/6.3). To enhance the effect, I aligned the reigns of the camels with the sunbeams. A white tuft of clouds between the camels further embellished the composition. I exposed for the sky and its dramatic colours, keeping the camel master and camels in silhouette.
While editing, I reduced the highlights, controlled the whites, and enhanced the saturation. Here is the result.
Two things matter in addressing this challenge. First, metering for the sky. And second, composing to hide the brightest spot. In most cases, the sun, and sometimes, floodlights. If we remember this, our shots will sparkle.
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Thanks, Rosie!