Focus Stack on the Smokey Mountain Road

Deadly Details

Gear

Mini off brand tripod

Canon RP

24-105MM F/4

Phone as Remote

Settings

ISO 400

38mm

f/11

1/30 sec

Edits

Whites over Exposure

Highlight Unexpected Colors

Use Soft Light Around Sunset

Parking and Pin

I set out on the Smokey Mountain Road with a location and an idea for a photograph in mind. My goal was to capture the details in the tropic shale layer highlighting the arid grays and blacks in the area. I wanted to capture some of the harshness in this area because I think it is unique and beautiful in its own way. I had previously spotted this location while returning from a trip out to Alstrom Point. Upon returning I wanted to hike up to the base of the mesa and shooting away from the mesa capturing sunset. however on my way I found a rather large drainage coming from the base that was large enough for me to set y camera and tripod into. I ultimately went with this location because I was able to get my camera into the scene putting my lens right into the details I had planned to capture. Having the lens right next to details that add greatly to the image I think is a staple in creating a great focus stacked image.

To capture this this image I set out around sunset because I planned to use the soft light to capture these details that can easily be blowing out from the harsh contracts that naturally occurs in this area. By shooting when the sun was low I was able to capture the details in the sun and in the shade without having to bracket my image, and I was able to focus on the crisp details. I think the soft light was also what made me able to see the green highlights in this rock layer that I previously hadn't recognized that turns out to be one of my favorite details in this area.

I think every time I plan to capture a photograph and I head out with a plan I continue to learn. On this venture I was flexible in my location but I stuck to my goal of highlighting the details in the area. I went out at an ideal time and capitalized on my goal and I trusted my process right through my editing. I think this shoot gave me happy surprise after happy surprise making this an area I would definitely recommend.