Join me in experiencing my adventures and excitement on my photo shoots, as I unwrap my journey involved in capturing images that linger, whilst reflecting spectacular scenery that soak the soul with peace and hope!
I arrived at Lake Ohau, South Island, New Zealand, during the late afternoon. The weather conditions were perfect. It did not take me long to set up my photographic equipment. I secured my tripod in the lake whilst I paid attention to the weather and the clouds.
The weather naturally plays a big part in photography. Nature is unpredictable. I always have an umbrella with me. In the past I have been caught out too often without an umbrella. Whilst I observed the magnificent scenery around me, I also noticed the persistent sand flies that are prevalent during the summer months in South Island, New Zealand. They are more obvious towards the onset of sunset.
However, I did not permit them to distract me. It was wonderful sitting alongside the lake, relaxing and as the sun was descending, I started my photo shoot in earnest. I noticed an accumulation of clouds that were gathering in front of me. That excited me. Clouds always add an exciting interest.
It was a calm evening, and with daylight saving, the sun set at approximately 9pm that evening. I have learnt to be patient, and to expect something interesting from each shoot. Life is like that. The weather is no different, as I mentioned earlier.
When I noticed the sky changing colour, in a way embracing the evening, I grew more intentional about capturing the gorgeous scene before me. Lake Ohau is exposed, the wind whips up the water very quickly there. But on that occasion, it was perfect in every way.
My intention is always to hold the viewer’s interest, which is influenced by changing my focal length on my camera, whilst regularly rotating my camera on my tripod. And when necessary, I also adjust the height of my tripod.
As the lake is surrounded by mountains, I paid particular attention to the mountain range on my left as that is where the sun was setting. It became clear to me the intensity of the sky as the sun’s setting colours soaked them in various hues of deep pinks and reds. It was a sight to behold.
My photo shoot ended just before 9pm when the richest colours had faded. I knew it was time to pack up my photographic equipment after an incredible time of absorbing and capturing the magnificent beauty before me. It was a memorable photo shoot. I walked to my vehicle with a spring in my step as the shoot was good for my soul.