As a photographer, my challenge is not only to capture the mood of a sunset but also to present it in a way that brings something different to the viewing experience. Sunsets can be very cliché and can too easily appear "snapshot"(ish). To avoid this and bring some interest to my sunset images, I start off applying the guidelines of good composition and modify using my experience to deliver my artistic vision of the scene.
This week's image is a good example to illustrate what I mean. Sunsets over Lake Huron and on the Bruce Peninsula are spectacular. It's one reason (of many) Lynn and I chose our cottage location. We see stunning sunset after sunset here. Our drive up after work on Thursday for the Easter long weekend had us north of Wiarton as sun was setting. I pointed out the colour through the trees to Lynn as we drove along Hwy 6. When we reached Ferndale Flats, the sky was aglow in fantastic fuchsia pink but it was just another spectacular sunset until ...
... until I saw the reflections. The farm fields of the flats were flooded with spring meltwaters and still in the calm evening air. Their mirrored surface reflecting the colours of the sky flashed as we flew by. Then as we passed one field in particular I noticed a gate that would provide a nice foreground element for an image and that was my signal to stop.
I approached the gate and surveyed the scene preparing to make some images. In my mind, composition guidelines; rule of thirds, leading lines, diagonals, "S" curves, foreground, mid-ground, background, depth of focus ...
... the fence, open gate, horizon, pink splash in the sky and reflection, edges of the water.
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| fuchsia fields |
DJE
