Looking outside, a stiff wind is blowing, streets are wet from heavy overnight rains and birch leaves are already half yellow. It cannot be denied that we are changing seasons, and with that change in season comes a change in subject. The last few weeks, I solely focussed on Lady Heather. The height of the purple and pink colors lasts only for a week or two, and during that period I try to be out as often as possible to increase my chances for the best circumstances. Also, by being out in a variety of weather, a more diverse portfolio of the heather fields can be built. This year, the heather bloomed a bit patchy in my area. Beautiful patches, barren patches and dead patches alternated close together so I had to really try my best to get an angle that at least gave the impression of a continuous purple sea. One morning I found a good vantage point, mist lay like a blanket over the fields and I was anxiously waiting for the sun to illuminate the scene for the final touch. That never happened. The horizon was covered by a thin, greyish cloudlayer, which the sun did not manage to break, although she tried hard. It was a bit like pulling a plastic bag snugly over your face: you can clearly see the contours but not the actual face. The result was a large streaky orange patch in an otherwise pale blue sky. By using a 3 stop ND Grad filter and underexposing the whole scene, I could bring out the colors in the sky and match them with the deep purples of the heather. Mission accomplished, goodbye Lady Heather. Now it’s time to think about subjects and locations for the coming month. My favourite playground features no deciduous trees, so I am checking out other woodlands to cover when full color autumn really sets in.
Pink Lady Heather; Canon 5D mark III w. 17-40/4L; 0.5s at F16 and ISO200; 3 stop ND Grad, tripod, remote release
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