Austin in a few days… part II – Cityscapes

ƒ/5.6 at 13 seconds ISO 100

Cityscapes -

In efforts to capture the city, I have focused myself on shooting more cityscapes. I am not sure if that is how I am to use that word, however, I mean it as in capturing city structures, traffic, basically less primarily human subject aspects of the city.

One evening I did just this. I stayed in the downtown area for Austin evening/night images. Evening light can be gorgeous, and quick. When I saw this shot unfolding with the light blooming I quickly took advantage of the moment. Auditorium Shores always has great content if your looking for it. Awareness – the quality of good photographer.

This is not a cityscape, but an example of great evening atmosphere lighting. The lens flare is a bit distracting but it adds some atmosphere to it. Almost like how you would expect the light to invade your personal space in an attempt to blind you from its beauty.

ƒ/10 at 1/100 sec ISO 100

I started on the roof tops, parking garages and such. Without going beforehand and getting permission to enter particular buildings I kept to the free and non-confrontational settings. However in the future I need to venture out more with planning and communication.

ƒ/20 at 30sec ISO 100

Time-lapse shots of the traffic are always fun, however, I wish there was a little more going on to give it more punch, and I would like to see the barrel distortion gone perhaps. But it is always great to expand your view of a shot into the fourth dimension, to see what the photo might be over a period of time.

Tried to focus on some larger B+W cityscapes. Images that get most of the skyline in the frame. I went to the Lamar Street Bridge over Town Lake to get the following:

ƒ/3.8 at 1/80 sec ISO 250

The photo is interesting with the way it feels, I like the B+W processing on it. Wish I was a little higher, to get over the train cars but I didn’t have the capability. The images are better when viewed large and I don’t know why I did not use a larger ƒ stop. I could have been more in focus with a larger depth of field. I make mistakes like this all the time when caught up in the moment, I am having to slow myself down and not get so antsy with the excitement. However, I have been trying to keep the excitement as a driving force against weariness. I’m looking for the balance.

The following are from the rest of the evening and some other experiences I had within a week or so on that side of town.

ƒ/5 at 1/6 sec ISO 250

ƒ/4 at 1/3 sec ISO 100

ƒ/7.1 at 1/20 sec ISO 100

ƒ/7.1 at 2 sec ISO 100

Cityscapes can be difficult, they can be easy. It depends on my mood. Being focused is good for my collection or if I am doing a project or story, however, if I am trying to force something it can come out all wrong. Waiting for that moment is essential. I am sure, nonetheless, that creativity can conquer the struggles of cityscapes. I just have not found that part of my creativity yet. I am eagerly waiting to meet it.