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“Cottonwoods at Sunrise” by Tony Di Bartolomeo

5:26 am my eyes opened, not slowly like when you need more sleep but suddenly like flipping the lights on. Contrary to what my brain tells me, my body wanted more rest. Then slowly I put my feet on the floor and made my way to the switch, the one that was on the top right hand corner of my espresso machine.

While I waited for the machine to warm up, I walked to the front window to see what the skies looked like. The faint light in the distance revealed nothing but blue skies. (not a single hint of clouds). That’s when that small inner voice expressed its disappointment, and I quote, “What the hell are you doing up.”

Two quick espresso shots later, I grabbed my camera bag and was on my way. Had not really decided where to go but headed toward lake Ontario, about a 15 minute drive south from where I lived in the city. Driving down the DVP I quietly debate about where to go once I got to the lake. I decided to go to Cherry Beach because there was generally less people there for sunrise.

When I arrived there was one other car there, I assumed it belonged to the two paddle boarders that were just getting ready to head out on to the lake. I sat in my car for a few minutes just staring at the damn blue sky. The debate continued,

“You have been here a thousand times. Just go home.”
“But I’m here already.”
“Look at it; there is nothing of interest here. Blue blah blah skies.”

Finally, I opened my car door and got out. I popped the trunk, pulled the camera out of my bag, and fastened my wrist strap….and that is usually when that little voice shuts up.

I walked along the beach, first away from the trees, meandering and scanning for something interesting to capture. Then the sun cleared the top of the trees in the distance, to the left of the final shot, and lit the lake up. Not wanting to shoot into the sun, I did a 180, and that is when I first noticed the light on the group of trees. My pupils dilated instantly, adrenaline increased, and I made a beeline for the trees like if I didn’t get there ASAP, it was all about to disappear.

The scene captured my attention initially because of the strong contrast between light and dark, the texture of the bark and the smoothness of the water. Then I imagined the trees intentionally leaning towards the morning light. They lean towards the horizons to get closer, to reduce the wait if only by a infinitesimal amount of time each and every day.

Took 5 more shots after I knew I had “the one” just to hear that satisfying sound of the shutter and well just incase. Popped the truck packed the bag and drove home.

7:16 am. I open the front door to my house, and I hear a very faint voice in the back of my head:

“told you it would be worth it.”

Editing the shot:

The image was captured originally in colour using Camera standard setting. I chose to edit in Black and White vs colour to further enhance the contrast. Edited predominantly using Lightroom. During my editing I enhanced the details in the bark of the tree and reduced the details in the background to not only strengthen my subjects but also create a surreal feel to the scene.

What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

I think that the two most striking features are the contrast between light and dark and the contrast between the texture of the trees, and the smoothness of the water.

If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

Firstly, I will more than likely visit this scene again and take another shot. I don’t think I would change anything with the shot as it is.

Tony Di Bartolomeo shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Tony Di Bartolomeo, Toronto, Ontario

INSTAGRAM

Equipment and settings

Canon R5
RF 24-105 F4L
B+W polarizer
Settings: ISO100, 37mm, F8, 1/30 sec

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