not quite a morning person.

I can’t say that getting up early has ever been a talent of mine. It’s only recently, after seeing what the morning light does for photography, that I’ve come to appreciate it.

Do I like getting up super early? F#@K No.

Do I suck it up and do it anyway? Reluctantly, yes. — Unless it’s too cloudy or rainy. At that point I simultaneously curse and praise the universe before going back to sleep.

This is one of those early mornings on the bank of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. As I set up this shot, my typical morning grumpiness melted away as the first hints of color began illuminating the sky. I just stood there transfixed, enjoying the brisk early morning air while sipping on my warm caffeinated beverage… And then the sand flies paid me a visit…

Check out some more HDR Photos of Queenstown.

Technical Mumbo Jumbo:

– Nikon D700 – Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8@ 21mm f/4.8 Iso: 100
– 7 Exposure Brackets (-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3)
HDR Photography Processing & Tone Mapping using Photomatix Pro
– Post Processing & Color Correction in Photoshop
– Blended in parts of the Original Exposures
– Multiple Selective Color and Contrast Layers
– Enhanced detail with Nik Software Sharpener Pro
– Sharpened Edges with Topaz InFocus
– Applied A High Pass Filter
– I hate sand flies

Daily Banana – As The Dawn Breaks

(move the slider to compare HDR before and after)

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HDR Photo (pic) - Queenstown, New Zealand - As The Dawn Breaks
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