Many of you have asked me how I get certain shots and I feel that it is on fair to explain certain shots in a new segment called “Getting the Shot” Each week I will select a photo and explain how I took it and the post processing involved.
Sinbok Rotary, Ulsan
Location: This was taken from the top of a large apartment building called the Weltz Tower. Many of these buildings have a great roof set up with sitting areas to enjoy the view. The Weltz Tower was no different. I basically walked in from street level and took the elevator up to the top floor. From there I took the stairs to the roof level.
Time: This shot was take just as the sun was going down but it was still a bit light out. I like shooting in this time because it still is a bit light out but too dark. It is a great time to shoot but it only last for a few moments and then it is gone in to what most call “The Blue Hour” Look to head out around 5 pm to be able to get into position to get set up before the sun starts to drop
Composition and Set-up: I placed the rotary in the lower part of the frame because I like how yours eyes start there (lower left) and then drift across to the upper right. It just had nice flow. The other reason was the expressway was sort of in the way for the typical centered shot of a busy rotary. This was set up on a tripod and bracketed 2 stops apart (-2/0/+2) and I used my Tokina 12-24 mm wide angle.
Post Processing: I loaded the images into photomatix and then tone mapped them. Β After the tone mapping, I brought the image into photoshop and used some basic functions to sharpen and adjust the levels. Β Normally, I just use smart sharpen and curves for the basic adjustments. I will go into more detail about the settings I use in a later post. For now, you have the basics of what I did and how I got this shot.
Gear: For this type of shot a tripod is needed. You can try to rest your camera on the ledge but think about the consequences… here, it was a 14-story drop to the ground below… Also a cable release is handy feature to have because it takes the shake away when you physically press the button. Another trick to use is the timer. On canon’s the timer will fire all bracketed shots in sequence.