- Location : Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
- Gear : Pentax 645d + FA 35mm f/3.5 + Lee 0.9 Hard GND Filter
- Display Settings : Temperature = 5000K / Gamma = 2.2 / Luminance =
120
- Best viewed large on black
- Make sure to see the 1200px version
New Challenges
There are a number of changes made to my photo life recently, a few of them are associated with the technical aspect of photography. It always takes some time to get used to a new gear setup, but this is a tad more than switching from one DSLR to another. No matter how easy it is to use compared with the other medium format digitals available in the market, the 645d still brings you a good number of logistic challenges.
The lack of super-wide angles limits my options for the composition and less DOF due to larger sensor demands more strict focus control. 3:4 aspect ratio gives very different looks to your images but my biggest complaint so far is the absence of the live-view. I got to realize how much of a value proposition it was to use the high-end 35mm DSLR.
Besides all the technical problems, the biggest hurdle at the moment is more mental than physical. To expand the range of work, it requires a lot more driving than it used to, and driving 6-10 hours per day every weekend is taking a toll. While I get a tiny bit of satisfaction from keeping my life busy, the constant lack of sleep poses serious problems from time to time.
Rewards
Well, it is dumb to state the obvious, but I take photography very seriously (despite some jokes in the descriptions and comments). The frustration from missing good light greatly outweighs the physical comfort, and that's what's feeding a part of this somewhat painful endeavor.
But when you are lucky enough to come across an extraordinary scene, transform it into a large-size print that will last longer than your memories, that's when you understand the terms of the contract that you blindly signed by taking the first step into this world. Despite all the shortcomings that I listed above, the 645d finally shows what it is made of when it comes to the final form of photography.
Story
I have seen my share of amazing sunsets and sunrises, but this one was off the chart. I'd never seen this many colors at once, and the low clouds in the back worked as a natural reflector, making the foreground rocks glow golden.
I would like to thank Jim Patterson for his inspirational shot, and the cat and mouse game that we've been playing near Davenport. I was going over his top-notch photostream just a while ago and it finally got to me that despite all those shots came from similar locations, our paths never crossed. Well, all jokes aside, thanks Jim, this one goes to you.
Portfolio
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Dylan Toh 28 months ago | reply
I've seen many a great photo from this spot and this is no exception - keep safe on the road with all of that driving!
Hark Lee Photography 28 months ago | reply
I appreciate your comments, guys.
@ Alan : Yeah, the water level in lake Tahoe this year is somewhat higher than before (same thing in Yosemite as well), and I couldn't find any good comp up close to the bonsai. Well, not to mention the DOF problem that the 35mm prime gives when you sit too close.
@Jave : The light sure was a beast(^_^), thanks Jave. :)
@huggen : It's funny that I first didn't expect that much from that day's sunset. The cloud coverage was almost perfection with the right combination of low and high clouds about 2 hrs before the sundown, but it cleared up almost too much 30mins before the sunset. So I was going 'NO..!', but a pack of low clouds rolled in later and saved the day. : )
@ M.shaw : Thanks for dropping by and I have to say I really enjoyed all of your shots from Sand Harbor, they look fantastic. It must've been an epic up there too.
@ Hillary : Your words mean so much, Hillary, so much to me. I truely appreciate it.
@ Jessy : Managed to stay out of trouble recently? : )
@ D Breezy : Haha, thanks for the second visit!
@ James : Ready for another 7-day-state-out?
@ Miles : Thanks a lot, Miles, you are one of the most talented guys I've ever seen, and I've probably looked at your last Glacier shot more than 10 times, dang, it's a great shot.
Joshua Cripps 28 months ago | reply
killer sky, hark. i feel you on the pain of missing the good light.
regarding the challenges of switching to a new setup: i'm sure you know this already but you should embrace them because the "limitations" will feed your creativity and push your photography even higher.
~josh
LongHN Photo 28 months ago | reply
Beautiful colors and clouds! Well done!!
praphulm 28 months ago | reply
great shot hark, the colors are amazing ... i often wonder if the long drives are really worth it, but that one great shot makes or breaks it. I was thinking of adding a carbon footprint indicator to the pics indicating the number of miles driven or flown ... anyone from the flickr team looking for an enhancement idea ?
david.richter 28 months ago | reply
No wonder this camera comes with the price tag twice the one of a car, it creates friggin epic skies. NOW I get it... tzzzz... what was I thinking... haha! I think I already expressed how much I hate you got this sky over Bonsai Rock. ;-)
Maciej - landscape.lu 28 months ago | reply
Beautiful image
Via Explore for 28th Feb 2011 at #341 on Fluidr
Ivan Sohrakoff 28 months ago | reply
Looks like you had a great evening there, Hark. The rocks are really warm toned, but the sky helps keep the color balance good. Nicely done.
Justin Smith - Photography 28 months ago | reply
The sky here is just incredible. Great work, Hark.
silvarshooter [deleted] 27 months ago | reply
Incredible show you got there, Hark. It was interesting to read about your thoughts on the 645d, I was trying to remember recently which contact had gone that route. That camera is obviously amazing but can completely see how it could be very challenging to get used to, especially the lenses. Anyway beautiful job with an amazing scene, look forward to seeing more shots with this beast.
Salva del Saz 27 months ago | reply
Amazing sky colors and evening mood, love it!
Have a nice weekend!
russ david 27 months ago | reply
wonderful photo!
tropicaLiving - Jessy Eykendorp 27 months ago | reply
LOL Hark!
Hey, it's almost a month..how u doin' hope everything's well :)
Andrew Kumler 27 months ago | reply
Your work is stellar Hark. The new equipment sure produces.
Fantastic work man.
Terry Wisely 27 months ago | reply
Awesome shot. Love the colors!
TitoPentax 21 months ago | reply
great !
HDR or not ?
SocalJC 21 months ago | reply
Great question! Hark, do you HDR your images?
Jim Purcell 21 months ago | reply
Well done. I saw this photo on the PentaxOnline twitter account. How cool is that?
Jim Purcell 21 months ago | reply
The one thing the 645d did was make me buy a bigger portfolio. I kept wanting to see the photos BIG. So I bought a 18x24" portfolio. I love it! To see things sharp and clear at that size....cool!
Bill Zech 20 months ago | reply
Amazing shot! I love the balance of light between the rocks and the sky. Perfect, really.