Blue Hour
An evening walk with the Contax Zeiss 28mm f/2.8
As the days get longer, the blue hour in the evening creates some unique conditions for photography. So as the sun was setting, I went out to capture some images. I took the trusted Contax Zeiss 28mm f/2.8 with me to have the full, slow and present photographic experience.
I have used this lens extensively in the past and the results always surprised me: you can take a look at some other blue hour photos or some frosty B&W images.
Just a few steps outside the door, I noticed a hedge in which some branches had grown more than others. They were standing out from the background and the different colors of the leaves created a nice contrast. I took this shot wide open at f/2.8 to create as much separation as possible and focus almost entirely on the newest leaf at the top of the branch.
New Leaves, 1/60, ISO 400
The composition is simple and in this case it works reasonably well. The shallow depth of field helps create the sense that the leaves are emerging from the background. This image resembles closely one I took on the Rilke Trail some months prior, although I must admit that one turned out better.
Next I walked by an open meadow with some trees in the distance hit by the last rays of warm sun. I noticed some grass seed heads that were all leaning in the same direction and found the pattern interesting. I again shot wide open and looked for a composition that would make the subject stand out. I decided to focus on a lower grass stem instead of the taller ones to give more context to the image.
Grass Seed Heads, 1/100, ISO 100
Having both elements in the foreground and background helps to create a sense of depth and of different planes. This image is simple but it works well enough. The warm orange tones in the top right corner add a nice touch of color.
It was interesting to notice how each plant had a different texture to it. In another open meadow I saw several thistles with their spiky stems and leaves. I looked for a specimen that stood out and focused on the top flower, leaving the rest of the stem to fall gently out of focus. The stem also creates a nice subtle curvature that leads the eye to the flower.
Thistle, 1/80, ISO 100
While I was making my way back home I noticed another seed head. Unlike the previous ones, this one was standing alone. I liked the gradient of green in the background going from dark to light.
Wild Grass Seed Head, 1/80, ISO 100
Taken individually these images are nothing special, but it is still satisfying to just go out, enjoy the present moment, pay attention to the small details, and come home with a cohesive set of images
If you liked this image you might also take a look at:
A quiet winter morning, a layer of frost, and a manual Zeiss lens. A short photographic walk through frozen fields, imperfect frames, and the beauty of slowing down.