Canon 5D mkI, 24-70L, hoya UMCx8 ND filter, ISO 50, Av F2.8 +0. 3-section 3-shot HDR stitched panorama.
I grew up in Shanghai, China and was there for 14 years of my life. I cannot begin to describe the lessons I learned in China and the ones I learned in the US – it gives me a unique perspective on things. but more so, I love it at night in Shanghai. Everything single building has its lights turned on and the city looks amazing. more so than new york or london or san francisco. I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m biased =)
I’ve always wanted this shot ever since I got an dSLR but numerous attempts have failed due to various circumstances.
ATTEMPT 1 in 2007: crappy tripod(unstable), crappy lens(not wide enough, distortion, not very sharp), crappy body (high noise).
ATTEMPT 2 in 2010: gear was fine, but they were closing it down for construction for Shanghai Expo 2010
this time, I planned it out and set the tripod 3 hours early and just stood there. I watched the afternoon turn to sunset turn to night. I don’t know about you, but there’s an sense of peace of just sitting down and looking at something. In this world of technology, having time slow down and just freeze is the most amazing experience you can have in opinion.
I didn’t know if it came out, but when I came back to the US and edited it I knew I had the shot. the “perfect shot”.
and I hope this year all of you get your perfect shot in life, whatever that is.
here’s to the end of 2011, and a brand new 2012!