Author Archives: GAR

Photographer’s Choice – Don Kimmer

As Far South As You Can Go in the Continental US

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a great example of leading, converging lines and repeating patterns and colors in an image, look no further than this shot of Sunset Pier in Key West. A popular gathering spot for tourists and locals to gather for boat watching, sunsets and casual dining, the pier is decorated with all the trappings one associates with south Florida. This scene was captured at the end of April, 2007 at about 6:30 in the afternoon. It must be quite unusual to be so deserted at this time of day, with only a single person at the end of the pier where one’s eye inevitably lands.
This photograph is an example of why post processing is such an important part of any photographer’s life. The original shot was partially blocked in the upper right and left corners by dark overhanging umbrellas and the horizon was noticeably tilted. Also the color of the original had a slight green/yellow bias. But the scene was worth the time it took to correct these flaws to produce the final image above.
Don’s camera was a Nikon D80 with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens zoomed to it’s widest focal length. Exposure was 1/160 sec at f/9.0 with an ISO of 200.

Photographer’s Choice – Fowler Bush

Parkway View of Grandfather at Sunset

Fowler Bush - Grandfather Mountain

Fowler Bush - Grandfather Mountain

Two local photographic favorites-prominent Grandfather Mountain and a sunset. Fowler’s vantage point was from the Parkway, “From the last observation turnout on the right hand side before (perhaps 3-5 mi.) the 321 intersection heading south. It wasn’t as dark as it appears but I reduced the metered exposure perhaps 2 stops to capture the fiery sunset in all its glory”.

As an aside, all residents of the High Country Counties may visit Grandfather during December for $1.00 admission each. Pick a cold day with blustery winds for an experience.

Fowler’s camera is the Canon EOS T1i fitted with a Canon EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens zoomed to 145mm. Exposure was 1/180 sec at f/22 and the ISO was set to 800 to allow hand holding of the camera. The image was captured on October 17, 2011 at 5:47p