GET THE PERFECT EXPOSURE [3]
While our eyes are capable of perceiving a significant range of bright and dark—or dynamic range—a camera’s dynamic range is relatively limited. In order to balance an exposure with a wide dynamic range, graduated neutral density filters can be used. In this example, the top half of the filter, being neutral grey, darkens the sky while the lower half of the filter tapers to clear, allowing the foreground to become balanced with the brighter part of the image. Graduated filters are available in a variety of shades, from light to very dark. Using the same technique as the Silhouette image, I took separate meter read- ings for the sky and sand. I then exposed for the foreground while selecting the appropri- ate grad filter to effectively “hold back” the brightness in the sky.
SHOOT THE MOON [4]
Including the moon in an evening scene can add drama, and in this case provide balance to a composition. In low-light conditions requiring a longer exposure, the moon, being much brighter than the landscape, will typically be rendered as a bright glowing disc. To maintain definition in the moon and reveal some of its characteristic surface detail, two separate exposures are required. In this case, I first exposed for and captured the landscape using a graduated filter. I then exposed for and photographed the moon, which was slightly out of the frame. This kind of image can be captured as a double exposure on the same frame, or can be a composite of two separate images using the image overlay feature found in many DSLRs.
TAKE BETTER SHOTS SOLO
BY GARY LUHM
Paddling solo has its challenges, so much so that photography often ranks last in our preparation. Don’t make the camera an afterthought. At trip’s end you’ll be bursting with stories that will come alive when accompanied by great photos.
Plan
Make a shot list. Consider the images you want and the gear you’ll need to get them. A wide-angle zoom is indispensable while solo; wide is your story-telling lens. A longer focal length, like 75-300 mm, will isolate sea birds or mammals in their environment. Pack a tripod. If space is an issue, at least carry a tabletop tripod or Joby Gorillapod.
You’re the Boss
Paddling solo means you have control of your time, so you can photograph in the sweet light of dawn and dusk, no excuses. Rise early, shoot the magic hour and afterward do breakfast and break camp. In the evening, eat first, secure the camp and then venture out with your camera.
Put Yourself in the Picture
We love people pictures. People add scale and interest, and images with people tell the most compelling stories. Compose shots ashore on a tripod, set your camera’s 10-second time delay and sprint into position. Even better, use a remote release or set your camera’s interval mode to take a burst of pictures, so you’ll have many to choose from.
4 the trip Shoot Action Lake Superior, Ontario
Rushing rivers, vast sand beaches and immense rocky headlands are just a few of the highlights to be experienced along Superior’s shore. Superb paddling is found between Hattie Cove in Pukaskwa National Park and the Michipicoten River near Wawa, a 10- to 14-day trip. Paddlers on this inland sea are likely to experience conditions similar to those found on open ocean coastlines, with large swell, crashing surf and heavy fog common.
IF YOU GO: Late May to mid August generally provides the calmest conditions, but with depths of up to 400 meters, Superior remains ice-cold even in summer. Solid paddling and rescue skills, a wetsuit or drysuit, weather radio and ditch kit are essential. Permits are required for travel through Pukaskwa National Park.
OUTFITTERS: Naturally Superior Adventures or Caribou Expeditions can help with rentals, advice, shuttles and guided trips.
www.naturallysuperior.com,
www.caribou-expeditions.com.
Don’t just pose for the camera. Get shots of yourself hauling the kayak, pitching the tent, boiling water for hot chocolate or building a campfire. If something unexpected or memorable happens, do an on-the-spot reenactment if it’s feasible.
POV Pleasers
For selfies on the water, a bow or stern mounted POV is far more interesting than the view from a helmet mount. I like the GoPro Hero3, which has a built- in interval mode and wireless controller mounted on a wrist strap, so you can quickly change from video to stills.
www.adventurekayakmag.com | 49
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