Photographing the sunset at Pinckney Wildlife Refuge

About a month back I spent some time at the Pinckney Wildlife Refuge photographing the sunset and other assorted beauty. You may remember this photograph of the sun setting at Pinckney from earlier in this evening. This particular photo was taken not too long after that one was taken, but you can see what a big difference just a small amount of time can make. Gone are the blue hues and most of the clouds.

Pinckney Island is a pretty cool place to spend a few hours with a camera. When I went I was only able to see a small portion of the island but I have been told by regulars and natives to Hilton Head that there is much more to be seen than I did. So, I will probably plan another trip back to see what I missed. There is a trail that goes on for a few miles into the island. I may try to take a bike and help ensure that I get to see more of what Pinckney Island has to offer.

Photographing sunset at Pinckney Wildlife Refuge

Ever wonder why photographers refer to the hour or two after sunrise and before sunset as the Golden Hours? Just check this photograph out and maybe you will see why. The great warm light that comes from the sun as it is near the horizon cannot be beat.

This photograph was taken up near Hilton Head in Pinckney Wildlife Refuge. I headed up there the other day with a friend of mine. Him and I spent a few hours wondering around the Refuge, including this little side trip into the woods. We were mildly amused when we came across bear traps, you know, those big metal tubes with a trap door on the front..and then became slightly less amused when we came across bear shit. Hmm…

Anyways, this photograph is a prime example why landscape and nature photographers should strive to do most of their shooting during the golden hours. It makes your job soo much easier!

The Moonlit Field near Hilton Head

So this photograph is a little different from me. Usually my HDR photographs are taken during the day time when there is plenty of light. This photograph was taken about 20 minutes after the sun went down. After I processed the photo, it was a little noisier in the sky than I thought it was going to be so I blended the whole sky in at 80% from the -2 exposure. It was a pretty easy photograph.

I really enjoy the color of the grasses in the foreground. I could have masked the non-moving grass back in, but I kinda’ like the blur.

Photographing at Pinckney Wildlife Refuge

Last night I had the chance to photograph Pinckney Wildlife Refuge, right outside of Hilton Head South Carolina, for a little sunset action. It was my first time at Pinckney so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Walking down the trail with Shannon we came across a few ponds. This is were most of the people were congregating. Neither him nor I found them too interesting. It wasn’t until we made our way off of the beaten path that we found this little gem of a place. If you go to the eastern side of the island you will have a great view to photograph the sunset. The trees in this area are pretty spectacular too.