Photo Adventure - Red River Gorge with ND Filter

Armed with the Nikon D3400, 18-55 kit lens, gradient ND filter, and Joby Gorilla pod, I set out for a photo adventure to Red River Gorge:). I discuss the ND filter along with my settings for a few night shots. I had a great adventure and invite you along for the ride!
Regardless of your camera (i.e. Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.) and regardless of the level, I hope this video inspires you to head out and grab some awesome shots. Relax, enjoy, and stay safe!:)
Follow me on Instragram - realworldpicts
=== LINKS ===
Nikon D3400 w/ 18-55 lens: amzn.to/2GQJjpv
Joby DSLR Tripod: amzn.to/2muxoyO
BUDGET filter and rings (good starter kit): amzn.to/33f5MGf
Lightroom #1 (intro): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIOtaZSfm8icpJY
Lightroom #2 (portrait): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJzLaGuAnsuXjMU
Lightroom #3 (remove noise): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnzRoX-YaJedZ9k
Lightroom #4 (isolate color): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpaQmZmFnNSAh68
============
Music by: Bryan Mathys (song - Wild Heart) and J Hacha de Zola (song - Poison Wine)

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

Look at you uploading two videos in two weeks.😊 Excellent video! Thank you for sharing. Be well!

[@RealWorld]

LOL - i thought the same!:)

[@MontrencoPerez]

You do wonders with that camera showing that is not about the gear but about the person behind it and his/her creativity. T&Ch and JP (and other youtubers like them) should learn from you. Congratulations. You are a real photographer and your channel is A+. Please keep up the good work.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Montrenco!:) A bit of knowledge and experience can go a long way regardless of gear:).

[@LongTimeTTFan]

Breath-taking scenery. Thank you very much for taking the time and efforts for creating this beautiful vid.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and happy to share!:)

[@hachewie]

Beautiful shots. The cloud inversion was amazing.

[@andrewgrabham4666]

Great photos, and yes, it was inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@in_neerajpandey]

The best camera is the camera with you. We all remember, right? He does for sure. Excellent work man.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and agreed!:) Doesn't matter what you have but learn/understand it and have fun!:)

[@pranitsamanta1037]

Your simple and trustworthy concept of having an entry level camera and kit lens to capture extraordinary shots like these is really inspiring..❤️❤️

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be of inspiration Pranit!:) Great shots are not so much about the gear rather about the photographer's ability to use the gear:).

[@WayneIrish]

Nice to see you back out . Have learned quite a lot from you over the years. From waterdrops to waterfalls all your videos have something one can take away and practice. Thankyou. 👍🏼

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and glad to be of help/inspiration!:)

[@damarisrodriguez3729]

Beautiful!!!! Breathtaking....I enjoyed this video a lot. Thank you for sharing.

[@sijanurrahman2372]

You explain things in such simple manner that they seem nearly effortless!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks post/feedback Sijanur!:)

[@luisgermansanchez3249]

Wow Mr.Mark, the video is clear a REAL WORLD.Thanks for your motivation and go ahead. We are in your REAL WORLD. Thanks

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the feedback Luis and glad to inspire!:)

[@StarcraftSlICER]

Super video and awesome shots! Thanks again for taking us with you

[@Rudy.Bierkens]

Ontspannende, leerzame en aangename video, net als al je andere . Ik kijk al uit naar de volgende. Blijf gezond. Rudy BELGIUM.

[@RealWorld]

Bedankt voor de post en welkom uit de Verenigde Staten! :)

[@Srijitupload]

Wonderful Mark so happy seeing you back on game.

[@marcusantonius1952]

Thanks for a great video Mark, I do love that you are using the Nikon entry level camera and kit lens, it just proves that you can travel light and still come home with great shots.I do feel that some times the more kit you take the more confused you are.

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help/inspiration Mike!:) Entry level does not equal less quality ... entry level is strong/capable in the right hands:).

[@brandonprescott5753]

Great video with stunning photos. Thanks 🙏.

[@tomnicholas8264]

Enjoyable vid, Mark - thanks! Some great shots of a beautiful location.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks Nick - it was an awesome experience!:)

[@stevebrygadyr1675]

Absolutely stunning photographs!! Thank you Sir. When I was looking for a hobby, it was your videos that encouraged me to try photography and I am hooked. I need a lot of practice, but with your excellent instructional videos, I am becoming confident with camera settings. I have a Nikon D5300 and have experimented with trailing lights, macro, landscape, portrait, wildlife, long exposure shots of different things, ND filter shots, etc. I love it. Thank you so much!!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Steve and glad to be of help/inspiration!:) Photography is great for various reasons but I enjoy capturing time in way I see the moment ... to compose a shot and add polish in post processing can be very rewarding:). Stay the course and enjoy the ride!:)

[@pauka13]

Fantastic shots! The one with the tent under the stars is my favorite!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and agreed - really like that shot as well:).

[@wahabdilawar]

Very nice vlog. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@tito40ify]

Great video and scenery, awesome ..

[@robcassie2549]

Excellent images, nice and vibrant and colourful, love the long exposures they give great definition with unusual tones, I’ll definitely have to give this ago myself. Great job 👍

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Rob!:)

[@SabrinApollo]

Thanks for another great, informative video. I've been a photographer since I was 10 years old. In the past decade I've flipped from digital to film and back to digital. I have a D3500 now and was getting sucked into the "should I upgrade the body " a little bit. I picked up a couple of used lenses and have been happily snapping away. However, on NY Day I wanted to get a sunset shot of an old sway back barn and ended up with either the sky blown out or the foreground underexposed. I don't have Lightroom or any way to merge bracketed exposures, but now I am going to look into a graduated ND filter for those situations. Thanks again!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be of help!:) You experienced the perfect scenario for a graduated filter:). I experienced the same years ago which led me down a similar path. I do not use them all the time, but there are nice to have when you are shooting something with stark contrast like the sunrise or sunset. Stay safe!:)

[@SiriAppan]

Truly amazing shots. Feels like you have captured the beautiful earth from heaven. I admire your talent Mike 👏👏👏

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:)

[@monsunm3880]

Thank you, Mark! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@RealWorld]

LOL - glad to be of help!:)

[@pankudee]

Awesome Click Mark! Superb composition, nice song..!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) It was a fun/adventurous journey:).

[@nigelchase2407]

Simply Awesome.

[@davidmill7289]

Fabulous scenery & pictures Mark. Looks like a worthy filter to invest in as I like taking sunsets. Thanks again.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the feedback David:). I do not use a gradient filter often, but it is nice to have for sunrise and sunset photos:).

[@sailingalbertina]

Thanks for The inspiration. I have a low budget camera by my self, but so much fun out there.

[@RealWorld]

Glad to inspire!:) Regardless of your gear (for the most part), you can take/capture some awesome shots:).

[@TSGAdventures]

Love that area! I live about an hour and half away from there and try to get down there a couple times a year. Check out the kayak place were you can kayak back into an old mine. I have yet to do it but plan on it soon.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback/tip!:) I plan to go back soon and will look for it ... always like a good adventure!:)

[@abhroy]

Somehow missed this post . Watched right now . Great shots , as usual . Thank YOU , Sir 🏆 🎉 🤗

[@pamelatuininga1529]

Some how missed this one! What a view! Great spot Mark, thanks for sharing!

[@earavichandran]

This video is really interesting. Images are nice and pleasing. Nice adventure. Some shoots are really scary and thrilling.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Ravi:). Yes, one wrong step could spell trouble. Exercise extremely caution when doing adventure photography:).

[@earavichandran]

@@RealWorld Thanks for your valuable advice sir.

[@williamlowery9891]

WOW, thank you so much.The photos are wonderful. This will help me I hope to do better photos. God Blessings to you and thank you for your service.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback William and may God bless you and your family!:)

[@mujeebrahmankottakkal8878]

A complete teacher ❤️👌

[@Vincentbrennan1301]

Good to see you back.Looks like you had a great time.Stay safe.

[@michaelpeebles3490]

Thank you for your amazing clips! I own the Nikon D5600 with both kit lenses, so I appreciate that you use gear that a beginner like me can get a grasp of. Thanks for all of the informative videos. Music is great, too!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Michael and glad to be of inspiration!:) The d5600 is a solid camera as I have shot with it on many occasions as well.

[@VioAdri83]

Great video as usual, very interesting and inspiring. Only one (minor) remark: I have the feeling the post processing is a bit on the aggressive side, and sometimes the subject can profit from more natural colors. Keep up the good work! :)

[@RealWorld]

Appreciate the post/feedback!:) Surprisingly, I did little in the way of post processing in Lightroom. I shot everything in RAW but the colors/images were close to true representation - the colors were amazing. I did isolate color on a few images though:).

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great video and stunning images, that's one beautiful location.

[@txphotography6637]

Been a long time fan of your very informative, no frills videos. Always looking forward to the next one. I started with a Nikon D3200 in 2013 and now have a D850. I have been into photography for over 60 years! Keep up the great work!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) Really like the D850 as well!:)

[@soloexpat6932]

Thank you so much for always inspiring us and sharing techniques! Take care 🍺

[@RealWorld]

Glad to help/inspire!:)

[@tomwarrington4150]

Great video and great photos! Thanks for sharing! I love my D3400. It's small and lightweight so it travels well and doesn't take up a lot of space. The kit lenses have served me well over the past few years too.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the feedback Tommy!:) Agreed - crop sensor cameras are fully capable of capturing great/awesome shots:).

[@mchocolate2301]

Great photos as usual

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Anytime I'm watching your videos it motivate me to get out and take some photos. Now with the corona virus when we are all stuck at home for few months , it is very good idea to breath some fresh air and do what we love :-) thanks and welcome back .

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and fully agree!:) Get out, relax, and have some fun:).

[@steveboys5369]

Great Work ! - Inspiring

[@colinbrown7305]

Great shots. I love the one of the tent lit up and the one of you looking out across the hills. I've just bought a nikon D3300, my first dslr camera. Your videos are providing me with knowledge and inspiration.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Colin and glad to inspire!:)

[@janileino1463]

Such a great video again! This ND filter looks good and i think have to buy that one to my Nikkor 18-200 lens too. Thanks and your channel is best on KZbin! 😊👍

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Jani and glad to be of help!:)

[@isaisthere]

Thank you very much for this stunning video. Stay safe.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and do the same!:)

[@kathleenc1779]

Great to see you back! Lovely shots and excellent soundtrack...

[@RealWorld]

Appreciate the post/feedback Kathleen!:)

[@cindylang6206]

Beautiful shots! I learn more from you then anyone else. Thanks!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Cindy and glad to be of help!:)

[@potatoesofdefiance]

Beautiful location and some really stunning snaps there Mark! It is so great to see you out hiking again. :-) Thank you continuing to inspire the shutterbug in us learners.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and glad to inspire!:) It was a fun/good adventure ... enjoyable and blessed:).

[@TeKnoVKNG23]

Got some great shots man! Nice camping spot you scored as well, perfect for catching that sunrise!

[@RealWorld]

I was the only tent/person there - it was surreal:).

[@davidjohnston1374]

Great to see you've released this new video Mark, great to see you out and about having fun and showing us what can be done with basic kit, too many you tubers do videos on landscape and such with high end gear worth thousands the us average Joes can't afford...thankyou. And secondly, you're out and doing things I want to be doing, getting out, camping and enjoying nature. Looking forward to your next video.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback David!:) Always good to inspire and motivate ... regardless of gear, get out and enjoy life:).

[@neonpyramid7918]

Wow, ur night time photography came out really great. Will definitely try out ur settings. Thanks!!!

[@RealWorld]

If I can do it, so can you ... enjoy the experience!:)

[@eponine1966]

So glad you're back! After these last few months feel like I've forgotten everything learned before. Glad you mentioned the safety message. Even if your with a friend or two for a day trip, always let someone know where you're going. Places like National forrests are beautiful, but most times no cell phone service. Hope to finally get some time off and get back out there. 😁

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back Christy!:) Yes, be safe whenever you visit a national park or any location with limit cell service. If you are challenged for any reason, you must be self reliant:).

[@ericp8009]

New subscriber and fellow D3400 photographer here! Just want to say thank you for showing us that you don't need a super expensive camera to take breathtaking shots! God bless you sir

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Eric and welcome to the channel!:) I have shot with lots of gear over the years and found the D3400 to be fully capable ... a bit of knowledge and experience can go a long way:).

[@johnm2255]

The single most important component of a camera is the 12 inches behind it........Ansel Adams

[@earthlycreature969]

Man its been 2 days and am your big fan now already...u really need to get famous...keed doing the great job pleaseeeee.....🙏🙏

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and welcome to the channel!:)

[@kitkuparshabong1855]

Thank God..you’re back..been worried

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back!:)

[@DjPorkchop73]

Great pictures! Looks like it was a fantastic adventure.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback - the weather was great which was s definite plus!:)

[@simon01ize]

Great to see a new video, always great content!

[@RealWorld]

Appreciate the post/feedback Simon!:)

[@simon01ize]

@@RealWorld Anytime, i have not had the chance to watch it all yet. I only found it late-i live over the pond in the UK-but will enjoy it tomorrow. All your videos are interesting, well thought out and great because it's not just $1000 lenses etc!

[@paulwright1990]

Amazing video thanks.

[@MuimRahman]

nice shot..

[@dennispenton2052]

Great Delivery & content.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Dennis!:)

[@pappuinfo6721]

I Just got my D3500 with 35mm f1.8g and 18-55mm kit lens. I may not upgrade to another lenses after your videos, its not in the lenses its mostly the person behind them. Good work and pleasure watching your videos

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) Sounds like you have a great setup - I really like the fixed 35 as well:). Agreed, it not necessarily the gear, it is the person behind the gear:).

[@juvenedved11]

Awesome work! Greetings from Hungary!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and welcome from the United States!:)

[@HeathenHammer123]

beautiful

[@anantbambawale9276]

Could you please do a video on Photographing Sunrise and Sunset with D3400 and camera settings will be obliged thanks.

[@WBProTrax]

Stay safe!!!

[@deluwimana]

This was nice, thank you for the lessons.

[@capted5607]

I just started using the 3400 and really have little knowledge of how to use it It was a gift,so watching your using it is such a great lesson. Thank you.Ed .

[@sanjeewaten141]

Great video thanks 😊

[@ianrobertson1394]

when the camera was at the edge of the rock and he was talking and is hand was close, was i the only one who was like ohhhhhhh ohhhhhhh ohhhhhhhh lol

[@RealWorld]

lol - always be careful :)

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

Yesss always let someone know where your going and be careful ....... Thats what is now known as the Aron Ralston rule ! (get it ?) There is a similar place here in NC near me called the Linville Gorge , your video just made me want to take a day trip there.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post!:) Haven't been to Linvelle yet but might make my way out there one day ... get out and have some fun!:)

[@alanlee2751]

Great video Mark. Thanks for all the tips. I pay attention to the metadata for each shot, but just wondered whether (or when) you also consider using any exposure compensation adjustments (EV) ?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Alan:). I do not use EV often but will do so when I feel the camera if wrongly over-exposing or under- exposing a given scene.

[@kitkuparshabong1855]

Am I the only getting anxious seeing the sun about to set..and he’s still talking

[@RealWorld]

LOL - I was trying to move quickly as the sun was setting ... it was an awesome/peaceful experience:).

[@prasenjitmukhi5614]

You are a genius......

[@dkessdkess9017]

Yr vdos are very informative... thanks from 🇳🇵

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and welcome from the United States!:)

[@riders_capture]

Other great video and that too with a entry level DSLR! those clicks were just awesome. Sir, have you tried 85mm lens on the Nikon D3400?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Kaushal:). I have not tried that particular lens but may see if I can find one for a review:).

[@richita3177]

Beautiful work mate, Rick from Aus

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Rich and welcome from the United States!:)

good honest video. regards from Denmark

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and welcome from the United States!:)

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

your photo results were beyond great ! I would love to know how you get the camera clicking sound into your video when showing snapshots ?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the feedback:). The shutter sound is a sound effort that I found years ago - great to let the viewer know a shot is taken, etc.:)

[@lilyjo7479]

Dear sir, you deserve much more followers cause you are such a inteligent person and also someone who give us a lot of best advice about photography. So I really want to thank you for that! I have just one question, after watching your videos I have buy a nikon d3400, but it's crop sensor (dx), I am wondering if I buy 50mm f1.8G lens would it be hard for me to work cause it will crop pictures 35 mm is better opinion as I can see on most comments but I really like 50mm because of nice bokeh... thank you if you find time for the answer and sorry for my bad english.. :)

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback LIly and glad to be of help!:) I may create a video regarding the crop factor as I have received many questions on it:). Nonetheless, the 50mm on a crop sensor becomes 75mm when compared to a full sensor ... I like a bit more reach and therefore like the 50mm:). If you want a wider angle, the fixed 35mm on a crop sensor is closer to a fixed 50mm on a full sensor. They will both take great/awesome shots. I reviewed both and have a bunch of examples ... the fixed 50 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2O3i4mrbN6Nn8k /and/ fixed 35 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHiTlo2QlrKgj6c

[@daveboettcher6096]

The Nikon D3400 has a crop factor of 1.6. In the various shoots the crop factor changes as the focal length changes. Most of the shoots are at 1 8mm (27mm crop factor) and a photo taken at 20mm indicates (30mm crop factor). 18 x 1.6 does not come to 27. Neither does 20 x 1.6 = 30. What am I missing? Would you please explain this? It is also nice to see great photos and explanations with something other than a $2-5000 camera. Thanks.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question Dave:). The Nikon crop factor is 1.5 and Canon is 1.6. This is a great timed post as well ... I plan to release a video on the next few days regarding crop factors impact on focal length ... stay tuned:).

[@MICRO-GRAPHY]

Could you do bird photography with this entry level gear. If possible make a video of that.....

[@RealWorld]

this is doable:). bird photography is more about a good/long zoom lens, good lighting, and patients:).

[@RandomVideosOfNoConsequence]

For the B&W photo @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZO9c5-NaK96h7c where did you set the focus point? I am never sure how to set it using a low (

[@RealWorld]

I locked focus towards the tree limbs at the end of the rock formation. This still allowed for a good depth of field:).

[@DjPorkchop73]

I'm curious about something. If a photo shoot trip came up today and you were asked to bring a/some ND filter/s, would you bring the Zomei HD ND2-ND400 with that awesome Schott glass in it (that I can not locate anywhere anymore), this kit here that you used in this video, or the K&F Concepts Filter from your 5/2019 video? My lenses range from 52 - 58 mm only so I was pondering only grabbing 1 Variable ND filter and a step up ring to make things simple. I truly do value your opinion on photography matters and have enjoyed watching your videos and gathering info from you since I found your channel last year. As always, I appreciate your time. Be healthy and safe and have a fantastic day!

[@DjPorkchop73]

Just a little more info on my lenses I carry day to day, I have the 18x55 kit, 70x300 kit, the nifty 50 1.8 G, and the 35 mm 1.8 G.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question!:) This was fresh on my mind as I replied to another comment on another video:). Nonetheless, I would lean towards the K&F Concepts ND filter as featured in my other vid ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZWUcqCwd76DmNE ). I use the 72mm size and stepping rings which can be found here: -> K&F Concepts variable ND filter: amzn.to/2WdhDT8 -> K&F Concepts stepping rings: amzn.to/2HNrne1 The Zomei is nice along with the Schott glass, but I also really like the K&F filter as I have used it much more than the Zomei with great results. You have a solid setup as well ... really like the fixed 50 and 35:).

[@DjPorkchop73]

@@RealWorld Good evening. I appreciate the reply. I was leaning towards the K&F myself for a couple reasons. 1. The Zomei HD is hard to come by at all now (They do have the same.exact model minus Schott Glass available). 2. I really do like the square filters but I'm thinking as far as what I do, I could just grab the 58 and use a step up rings. Now, I need to pick me out a polarizer and I should be good to go. I had lense hoods this weekend but got hammered by the sun :-) Still loads of good times! Once again I really appreciate your time and reply.

[@SniperPhotography]

Thank you Mark. It’s not the camera that makes the image.

[@RealWorld]

Agreed!:) It's the photographer's ability to compose/capture the shot applying knowledge and experience to any given equipment (for the most part:)).

[@josesamonte292]

I use a Nikon d5300 with 18-55, 70-300 kit lens, and a nifty fifty prime. Got some amazing photos with these basic lenses and like you say it's all about having fun. IG @samontephotography. Thanks for all the good videos.🤙🏽

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Jose - you have some awesome shots on IG as well!:)

[@emmanuelphua]

Hello, why not increase shutter speed instead of using ND filter? Just curious :D

[@georgbleistein3208]

The gradient ND filter only darkens the sky. So that you can expose for sky and ground at the same time. Without filter, you could achieve this by multiple exposures and postprocessing.

[@RealWorld]

I echo Georg:). The gradient filter is used to darken the brightest part of the scene (in this case the bright sun/sky). This allows the overall scene to be more evenly exposed.

[@emmanuelphua]

@@RealWorld oh you used a gradient ND filter.. my bad, i thought it was a normal ND filter :D

[@RealWorld]

lol - not a problem. i do not use a gradient filter often, but use it for situations like this (heavy/bright light on the horizon).

[@PratikKumar_blade]

Did you take the night shots also with nd filter ??

[@RealWorld]

No - the night shots were taken without filters:).

[@PratikKumar_blade]

@@RealWorld Really beautiful shots....