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Carpe Diem!

by J. Chea
Pylon Lookout
6/8/20156/8/2015, 2:46 PM (2 hours before sunset)
Canon EOS 5D Mark II + EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
24.0 mmf/5.6 1/30 s400

Pylon Lookout Sydney Harbour Bridge New South Wales

In our hectic lives, it is often very easy to lose track of time and forget some of our side goals. I am definitely guilty of that! I have neglected my photography for way too long, in pursuit of other more intangible goals.

Now more about this image. A sunset shot from the pylon lookout is only possible in the month of June, as the lookout closes at 5pm. On the day of the shoot, I wasn't very optimistic about the sky, it was clear blue. The forecast predicts cloud cover clearing in the afternoon. Thankfully, I decide to go against my gut instinct and was treated with an unexpected surprise!

Just as the sun was setting, it lit up the only band of clouds that was located behind the city. By now, everyone at the lookout was congregating at the ledge, blown away by the breathtaking view. Knowing that it is impossible to set up a tripod, I increased the ISO and opted for 3 exposures bracketing. I took dozens of shots hoping to get some of them to be sharp.

In post production, I manually blended the sky with cityscape foreground to achieve the necessary dynamic range. I sometimes forget how rewarding photography can really be!

2 exp shot, edited in Lightroom and Photoshop. Comments and constructive criticisms are appreciated!