After shooting the ice coated tree yesterday, I waited as the sun broke the horizon behind the trees hoping for a nice starburst.Ā Rather than the 16-35 I usually use for that, I mounted the 50mm Zeiss and got a nice star with clean rays. The backlighting on the tree tops and into the valley as well as the needles above made this boy a happy photographer.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
The backlit tree tops strike me as unusual and to be desired. I understand why you’re a happy photographer.
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I have a couple isolated both the tree tops and the brightly backlit lower trees but prefer this wider view. I may post the others.
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What a magnificent sight to wake up to!
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Yet another reason to get up so early. This spot is about a 30 minute drive from the house. I don’t mind the drive or the time getting up, but I do appreciate the post-7 a.m. sunrise these days. š I am glad you enjoyed it, Carol. Thanks!
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The backlit tree tops are especially pleasing. I like the way they contrast with the clouds behind them.
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I was happy when they lit up along with everything else happening at that moment. I did get out a longer lens and isolate the tree tops and that may appear here at some point. Thanks, Linda.
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Beautiful image Steve! Really like the starburst!
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Thanks, Reed. The Zeiss 50 really does a nice clean job with the starbursts. The 18 does also but I opted for the 16-35 for its obvious flexibility The pedal zoom isn’t always useful. š
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Wonderful shot, Steve! A great beginning to the day.
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Thanks, Eliza. It certainly was. I hadn’t been expecting the ice as it had been over 24 hours since it fell but New Salem got a lot and the temperature didn’t rise high enough to cause it to shed. Very localized.
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I noticed that in the hilltowns, definitely an elevation thing, quite dazzling in the sun.
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Magical.
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It was. Watching this develop as anticipated was wondrous.
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Lenses have enough differences that it’s worth it in situations like this to choose the right one, like you did. š Besides obvious differences, some almost seem to have personalities. One lens I have, an Olympus prime, regularly gives effects that none of the other lenses seem to give, even other Olympus primes, using a similar aperture, etc. In this case, I guess the Zeiss 50mm is probably known for being super-sharp, and great for things like a clean starburst. It’s good that you had it with you!
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Thanks, Lynn. I am a little nutty about having my lenses with me so often carry a bit too many. I really don’t know what empty space would look like in my backpack. š Mary Beth keeps chiding me about exercising so I’ll be able to continue carrying my stuff as i get older., She’s 100% right. š
I had the 18 Zeiss which was an outstanding lens but traded it in for the 16-35. At least I didn’t trade it for a microphone.
Yes, lenses do have “personalities”. There’s a saying that your best lens is the one you have with you. That’s why I carry them all…well, most of them.
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I can’t tolerate carrying much – my back is a mess, full of degenerative junk. š
Often I’m out for a 2-mile walk and don’t even carry a back pack. In the summer especially, I tried to be better about bringing the backpack so I have water and stuff (there are matches and a knife in there, etc). I always squirrel away a bag of nuts & raisins in my pocket. When I don’t take the backpack (a nice nylon thing that weighs nothing) I usually will carry one extra lens in a pocket or hanging from a belt loop. If I bring the backpack, I will certainly put a lens or two in there.
I know our styles are quite different when it comes to how we make photographs – I like to keep moving and have no patience for setting up a tripod. There are advantages to both our methods, I think – yours allows for greater control and more carefully considered outcomes, maybe mine results in finding more subjects, more novelty. It’s nice that we respect one another’s positions. I like to learn! š
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I had two herniated disks but they are under control as long as I take my time in moving. I cans till lift things like a heavy camera pack but my sleeper sofa delivery days are in my past. š
I used to carry snacks but now try to go without and I am never far from home or my car. I have an old photographer’s vest that I sometimes wear that can hold a feww lenses and accessories but prefer the pack. I finally got the straps adjusted properly so it really isn’t too bad aside from lifting and swinging it onto my shoulders.
I’d probably adopt your no tripod position if I didn’t shake so much. I have a hard time holding my hands steady so a tripod is a must. I’m quite comfortable and used to it at this point. When it comes down to it, few of any look at a picture and can tell what equipment was used. It’s all about the finished product.
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True!
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So many layers and textures in one view, Steve. It’s lovely.
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Thank you, Tanja. I am happy you enjoyed it.
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Ah, this is so gorgeous! Fantastic shot.
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Thank you, Maddy. Glad you enjoyed it.
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