Double Top

Cloudy, stormy days in Appalachia are a photographers dream, storm clouds swirling, light rays pouring, and sights aplenty. We can be spoiled for choice on those perfect days within the mountains. This day was no different, I spent an hour looking for areas to shoot, but kept from traveling up into the cloud layer, limiting my search to a narrow section of mountains, and this is the sight I came to see. Clouds licking the top of the peaks, the sun burning through the clouds near sunset. Despite having another shot in mind, this is the one that called to me that day, the visage of Double Top standing strong against the coming storm.

Knowing a location, having a photo in mind for it, and actually executing said picture are often on opposite ends of the spectrum within photography. Double Top is a photo I have wanted for some time, yet every time I go to get the image, the light, or the clouds aren’t right for it. I’ve tried on several occasions to go the shot, but today was the day I finally managed it. Abandoning my 16-55 lens, and picking up my 50-140, giving a bit of a zoom to ensure the subject was properly filling the frame, and ensuring the fleeting light rays got their dues.

As far as the edit is concerned, I did very little, I didn’t feel like the photo needed much more of a statement. A quick color temperature shift, controlling the highlights and shadows. Finally a decent dehaze to finish it off, and help accentuate the layers within the shot itself. I have spent some time learning when to just stop editing, when to walk away from a shot. Even if it means abandoning the photo entirely, a skill you can’t be taught, but must learn and experience. It’s something I, as a photographer, have had to learn to contend with. Hopefully you find it a pill easier to swallow than I did.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f8
ISO: 320
SS: 1/200th
Focal: 69mm

Fujinon 50-140mm