Sulhan Web Photo School

Here is a walk-through on how i took the following shot. The shot was taken at Labrador Park - Singapore. This is one of the locations that is great for Sunset Photography. Some fellow photographers from DPREVIEW asked about the technique used in achieving the shot. Though this shot was not a really well composed shot, but there are some level of technicalities that were involved that I think will be worth sharing. Okay here we go.....

II - Preparing for the Shot

I personally believe that being prepared for the shot is the most important step in any photographic opportunity.
I usually start off by having an Idea of what I am trying to achieve in the end. Here are some of the key points
that I have thought off prior to leaving my doorstep that evening:

a) I want to take a colorful...Very colorful shot of Sunset - as there was minimal cloud cover for that particular day - I cheated here
as my home was about 5 mins from Labrador Park and living on the 16th Floor, I could roughly see the Horizon for cloud condition.
b) I want a shot that contain a close foreground subject as well as a far background of silky smooth water movements.
c) I want some colors of horizon to appear as a reflected colors onto the water surface (sea).
d) While capturing the foreground subject (rocks) sharp, I wanted to have some ability to give it some illumination if necessary.

Based on the above requirements, I packed up my gear and the following are the key items:

1) A set of Cokin P filters - 120 & 121. These
are my usual choice. Mainly to cater for points (a),(b) & (c)
these two are my tool to enable be to balance out the
exposure during a long exposure. A long exposure was
necessary as I wanted smooth Silky water effect.

2) As I was using a wide angle around 15mm (35m Equiv.)

Field of view, I need to use the Cokin P-Filter Holder for Wide
angle to avoid Vignetting.

3) The Matching 77mm filter Ring adapter was used as my
lens has a 77mm Filter ring.

4) I brought along my newly procured lens for the session.
To meet point (d) needs, i really need a widest possible lens
I have.

5) I brought along my tripod as i need to do a long exposure
to cater for points (b) & (c). My best Friend...Mr Tripod!!!

6) Lastly, as I was anticipating the need to do a longer than 30secs,

I brought my cable realease in case......