Finding Balance

Dogwood in Bloom over Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2009

0.4 sec at f/16, focal length: 131mm, ISO 800, Aperture Priority, +2/3 EV
- May 11, 2009 7:53pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Tripod Mounted


On monday evening, I had the pleasure of meeting Art Wolfe. He was at the Ansel Adams Gallery for a book signing, as well as a reception for some of his prints that were on display. I only spoke briefly with him since it was so busy. And to tell you the truth, I spotted these dogwood on my way in to the park and I was eager to get out and see what I could make happen before the light got too dark.

If you're ever in Yosemite during dogwood season, the ideal time to make an image like this would really be in the morning before the sun starts to filter into the valley. Once the sun comes up, things start getting windy and it becomes difficult to make a sharp image of the blossoms while still rendering the rushing water as nice and silky smooth. It's also a good time since the light will still be soft.

As I was there in the evening, long after the sun has had its chance to kick up all kinds of wind, it took a little more patience to make this image. I had to find a balance between an f/stop that would give me enough depth for all blossoms to be in focus, a shutter speed slow enough to create the smooth water while at the same time fast enough to stop any motion of the blossoms caused by wind, and lastly, an ISO that allowed for a proper exposure with the combination of both the chosen shutter speed and f/stop. Thank goodness the 5d mark II does such an amazing job with noise at higher ISO's!

It can be a tricky thing, as well as a test of patience, finding balance to create what you have envisioned. Make the effort, it pays off.

Cheers