#52weeksofnature Photo Contest Week 11 Winner
The winner of Week 11 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Al Baker (@albaker13). Sometimes a familiar figure can add a sense of scale to a photo and that's exactly what Al was able to accomplish in this otherwise textbook image of Death Valley. Al has won a $100 gift code to hippytree.com and we are donating $100 to the Access Fund in his name. Learn more about Al below.
Where was the image shot?
Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park.
What camera did you use and what were the settings?
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/400'
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 400
Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
I was out scoping locations throughout Death Valley to find a good spot for a night photo idea I had. I took my camera up the paved path to Zabriskie Point when I noticed some movement to my left. He looked like an ant walking up piles of sand in a sand box. Exactly the style I love to show in my photography.
How long have you been shooting?
Four to five years.
What's your camera of choice?
I've converted all my gear to Sony and currently use the Sony a7rii. Nowhere near as bulky or heavy as the Nikon D810 with which I shot this photo. Makes trekking through the backcountry with gear a lot easier.
What’s your favorite subject matter to shoot?
I like using landscapes as a backdrop but focusing on talented people doing what they are passionate about whether it's climbing, mountain biking or highlining.
Do you shoot with a crew or shoot solo?
I hope to one day be able to hang with a crew, but for now I shoot solo.
What excites you about photography?
I once read something from my favorite photographer that explained if you go even a little bit off the beaten path, away from the crowds, you can experience beauty from a view that nobody else is seeing. I was reminded of this when I took this photo. There he was by himself while I'm standing in the middle of a tourist stampede. I'm looking forward to enjoying the experience, people and surroundings that come with travel/landscape photography. Maybe next time, I'll be walking up that hill and that'll be me in the photo.
