It’s time to take a look at some work by another one of our very talented members—this week, we’re showing you Gale Stoner’s “Color in Tremont.” This fall foliage photo has colors any photographer would love to capture. Keep reading to learn more about Gale’s image.
1.) Can you tell us a little bit about your photo?
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This specific location is at the end of the road on the Middle Prong Little River, approximately 8 miles outside Townsend, TN.
I took this image while participating in a workshop. The workshop leader was helping the group capture images of the waterfall that was in the opposite direction of my image. While waiting my turn to get into the shooting location, it started to drizzle, and I had left my rain jacket in the car. As a two-time cancer survivor, I think I have been blessed with a greater awareness and sensitivity of the beauty around me. So, when I turned to go back to the car and saw the blanket of orange, wet leaves, I knew this was the shot. I think the road curving off in the distance added mystery to the story of a quiet, peaceful morning in the Smoky Mountains. If I hadn’t left my rain jacket in the car, I would have photographed a waterfall like everyone else. The old saying, “when looking for a subject, don’t forget to look behind you” had a special meaning that morning.
2.) What gear/software did you use to create this image?
Gear: I took this image with the Fuji XT-1 and the 18-55mm lens. This was the first time I had left my Canon gear at home and relied completely on the Fuji system. The camera was mounted on a Gitzo tripod with a ReallyRightStuff ballhead and L-plate.
Software: I processed the raw image in Lightroom, with the basic adjustments of opening the shadows, adding clarity, and increasing the vibrance. I also used the Radial Filter to selectively add a touch of highlight in the trees. I finished it off by going into Nik Color Efex Pro and applying the glamour glow preset.
3.) What do you like to photograph?
My primary interest is in landscape photography, but I enjoy exploring other forms of photography. I go through phases, and I blame KelbyOne for that. When I see a new course on photographing automobiles, I get inspired to go out and shoot automobiles for a few months. Then a new course on strobe lighting will come out and I get inspired to learn all about that. Most recently, my focus is flower photography. Thanks to KelbyOne, my specialty is not being specialized.
4.) How long have you been a KelbyOne member and what made you decide to become a member?
I became a KelbyOne member soon after it was launched. I was familiar with Scott through his Lightroom books and being a fan of The Grid.
If you’d like to see more of his work, visit Gale’s website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.