For my work, I travel. And because I am working while I am away on location, evenings and early morning, are one of the only times available to shoot. As a result, I have gotten quite good at shooting hand held at high ISOs and long exposures, Keeping the highlights under control and the blacks clean. These shoots in the dark become dream walks through new landscapes looking for the magic that only night provides.
For these nocturnal prowls, I like to remain invisible- with as small and innocuous a camera as possible- something that does not attract attention, something that can be stowed in a pocket, something that if stolen will not break the bank. In this particular case, I was shooting with a Canon GX1 MKII.
This image was taken on one of those evenings during a visit back home to see my mother. As she retires early, there was time to shoot, so I headed out into the crisp October night. This particular evening I went exploring in and around Nazareth, PA. After some initial warm up shots in the small town center, I drove a short distance and found a community park that was closed for the season, but still illuminated for security I assume.
As I wandered around the silent parkland, I did not encounter another soul – the miniature golf attraction, boarded buildings and pathways all lit with a film noir quality. But as I approached the picnic area, I was met with a brightly lit symmetrical geometric pavilion that could easily serve as a landing station for interstellar space travelers. The sharpness of the light and shapes were honed by the crisp autumn air. I took five exposures from two different distances and moved on. Out for the 50 or so shots I took that evening, the pavilion image was the strongest.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
Symmetry of the image, the single vanishing point, the space ship like appearance contradicted by the fact that it is a picnic pavilion. The crispness of the night air.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
Perhaps the use of a tripod and lower ISO, perhaps a full frame sensor.
Thom Goertel shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Thom Goertel, Washington, D.C., USA
Equipment and Settings
Canon Powershot G1X
f/4.5, 1/30 sec., ISO 1600, handheld
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Nigel Walker
July 8, 2020 at 09:04
Great shot. Night photography is a challenge but this shows that there are interesting aspects to be won. I guess this pavillion looks much less impressive in daylight 🙂
Hillary
July 8, 2020 at 14:24
Wonderful shot! The angle gives the roof and lights a sort of leading lines feel.
Francine
July 9, 2020 at 15:00
Great shot! I agree with the « landing station for interstellar space travellers »