Mangrove Project - Photo 3 the progress

[Stagecoach]

As some may be aware I'm attempting to produce 6 off images of mangroves to promote their conservation and showing them in their natural environment in a way that is not normally done.

My idea for image 3 was to shoot deep into them, the background (sea/sky) to hopefully have some interest, smoothed water (long exposure), and good detail.

So the scouting of nearby locations was undertaken during the afternoon cloudy light and I soon realised it was not going to be straightforward. A number of test shots were taken, scrutinised at home and all revealed the DR was too great for a single shot. I could recover, to a degree by dropping highlights 100% and also pushing up the shadows by 100%, but the results were very poor.

Here's an example of a recovered image from the first trial shots, not good.



I then considered the multiple exposure possibility but counted this out due to what would be a loss of definition on the aerial roots due to them blowing on the long exposure. I then wondered if I could artificially light the scene to balance things, with just my SB600

Setting off this morning in total darkness with the intention of playing at the location of the shot above before sunrise I arrived in the area in the dark with a small torch. It would have been extremely useful if I had remembered exactly where I took the shot and had to give up looking as time was getting on

Note :

The images below are purely test shots to see the results of using the flash and provide data for further planning. From experience to capture that morning light colour and its reflection when it happens there is a very short duration for working.


No 1 - 22 mins before SR, 30s, f/7.1, 28mm, flash on manual full power activated 4 times, each corner


No 2 - 17 mins before SR, 30s, f/8, 28mm, flash on manual full power activated 4 times, each corner


No 3 - 7 mins before SR, 3s, f/11, 28mm, flash on manual full power activated 1 time


Considering that with the naked eye for the first two I was basically looking into a deep black shadow the flash did pretty good.

The resulting exposures have had little work and there is scope for far more localised enhancement if the scenes had made it worth it.

Now to put all the info together and plan for the composition I want and able to find it in the dark

Grahame

[deetheturk]

Hi Grahame, I think you have done well considering the problems you are having to deal with, thank goodness for flash

Looking forward to viewing the final results!

Cheers David

[IzzieK]

I was thinking of flash last night on my shots of my little princess but I think I might not do it justice because it was a bit dark inside the house with only one light on so I tried without flash, but change the WB to Daylight and it work ...I think...have you tried that in any of the shots that you did here?

I like the first one for its overall view and the reflections. Your one-shot system looks good.
#1 -- the reflections worked very well here too. The flash is very well pointed to the direction at the mid bottom too and I love the horizontals of the branches. Plus a glimpse of the sunrise was well placed.
#2 -- Is a very mysterious shot. I kinda like the mood you brought here...like someone about to appear in the shadows...
#3 -- Love the textures of the trees here and the angle here...
You did very well in all these. Like them all, especially #3.

You've put yourself in this very unique project and it is working out for you very well. Well done. Have you chosen yet which 6 shots amongst them that you would like to submit? Just curious...

[Stagecoach]

Hi Grahame, I think you have done well considering the problems you are having to deal with, thank goodness for flash

Looking forward to viewing the final results!

Cheers David

Thanks for commenting David. It's the first time I have attempted to use flash outside to illuminate a wide scene that's in such darkness so it's all a learning curve at present.

Cheers, Grahame

[Shadowman]

Nice series, I like the dreamy, hazy look but the first trial shot works as well.

[Stagecoach]

Hi Izzie,

I was thinking of flash last night on my shots of my little princess but I think I might not do it justice because it was a bit dark inside the house with only one light on so I tried without flash, but change the WB to Daylight and it work ...I think...have you tried that in any of the shots that you did here?

These were all shot at the 'Daylight' WB setting and I've made no changes in PP so no concerns.

I like the first one for its overall view and the reflections. Your one-shot system looks good.
#1 -- the reflections worked very well here too. The flash is very well pointed to the direction at the mid bottom too and I love the horizontals of the branches. Plus a glimpse of the sunrise was well placed.
#2 -- Is a very mysterious shot. I kinda like the mood you brought here...like someone about to appear in the shadows...
#3 -- Love the textures of the trees here and the angle here...
You did very well in all these. Like them all, especially #3.

No 2 is the closest to the 'feel' I want to try and achieve but with a better composition.

Did you spot the crab in No 3?

You've put yourself in this very unique project and it is working out for you very well. Well done. Have you chosen yet which 6 shots amongst them that you would like to submit? Just curious...

So far out of my attempts to date I only have two mangrove scenes that I'm happy with. I want to crack this idea to make it three and then move on to perhaps close ups.

Grahame

[Stagecoach]

Nice series, I like the dreamy, hazy look but the first trial shot works as well.

Thanks John, the object now is to get the dreamy and hazy look in that first trial shot location.