How the Photo Was Captured
The photograph was taken during early dawn at a remote lakeside in Meghalaya. I used a 24–70mm f/2.8 lens at 50mm, shooting in aperture priority (f/8) to keep the tree sharp while maintaining soft background tones. The shutter speed automatically dipped to 1/25 sec, so I stabilized the camera on a rock to avoid shake. The goal was to capture the stillness of the lake while the first light touched the lone tree.
Challenges Behind the Shoot
- Low light issues: The sun wasn’t up yet autofocus struggled to lock on the tree. I had to switch to manual focus.
- Unstable ground: The lakeside mud was slippery. I couldn’t set up my tripod properly.
- Fog density: Too much early-morning fog made the tree almost vanish. Timing had to be perfect—wait too long, and the sunrise becomes harsh; shoot too early, and everything becomes flat.
Location Story
This spot isn’t a popular tourist location. I discovered it while returning from a portrait assignment the previous year. The tree stood alone in the water, tilted, almost like it was waiting to be photographed. The place is quiet—no mobile network, just the sound of distant birds and slow-moving water.
Creative Decision Breakdown
- Composition: I chose a low angle to make the tree look more dramatic and to capture its reflection in the lake.
- Color mood: Instead of pushing warm sunrise tones, I kept the natural cool blues to retain the calm atmosphere.
- Leading lines: The faint ripples on the lake naturally guided the viewer’s eyes to the tree.
Before & After Thought Process
Before:
The original scene was flat—too foggy, too dull. The tree was barely visible, and the water looked lifeless.
After:
Through careful editing:
- Raised shadows to reveal tree details.
- Increased clarity only in the midtones to enhance structure.
- Reduced highlights so the sky wouldn’t overpower the tree.
- Added a soft vignette to draw attention inward.
- Balanced cool tones with slight magenta for a dreamy feel.
Result: A calm, story-rich image that feels almost like a painting.