Understanding SUNRISE light and colour - MOUNT DOOM, NZ

A panoramic landscape photography trip to Mount Ngauruhohe, or ' Mount Doom' , from Lord of the Rings ( NZ ). A tutorial, to illustrate an understanding of Sunrise Light and colour. This will compliment the SUNSET colour video I did previously, and illustrates the sequence of colour in a beautiful landscape setting, in the heart of New Zealand. Better res image here www.flickr.com/photos/eos1969...
A beautiful trip, 3 hours from home, to execute a preplanned shoot!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That film was so enjoyable that I actually forgot that there were images to come at the end. I was completely mesmerised throughout and felt like I was at the side of you the whole time. Now that is quality film making right there. I even love the small details, which often go un-noticed such as the specular traffic lights on your outward journey; it was great how you used those! Lovely explanation of the changing light during the shoot and great images at the end with number two being my favourite. Just a joy to watch buddy!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Simon. Im really enjoying the filmmaking side of these as whilst they are vlogs... im trying to make them more like short films. Im getting there i think. There was a couple of new things i threw in there this time, like the OOf car lights at the beginning, im glad you noticed! = ) This however was a rushed vid on scene, as due to the elevation i was at, the elevation difference with the height of the mountains, things were changing really fast and was struggling to get it all in! Glad you enjoyed it. E

[@TonyNeat]

There are some channels where the 'thumbs up' just isn't good enough 👏🏼

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Tony. Its nice to know that the efforts i put in... pay off!

[@tonyhayes9827]

Maybe the most informative and beautiful of any landscape photography video Ive ever seen

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Tony - That sure is a kind thing to say. Im glad you enjoyed it. Ill get back into doing some more when my pressures on this end relax a little ! = ) Kind regards, Ewan

[@rolf_siggaard]

An exceptional film. Agree that National Park is a spectacular area, a photographers dream if prepared for all sorts of weather conditions. Your commentary is insightful and enthusiastic, well done. Gorgeous images. Magic.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Rolf - Many thanks mate. I really appreciate your comment and feedback. Kind regards, Ewan

[@MeasuredLight]

Oh wow!! Excellent video, Ewan, and beautiful photos!! Just spectacular!!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks man. Cant help but get good pics when the scenery is that good. God bless a bit of planning and perfect conditions! Regards, Ewan

[@hung.kwangtan7795]

I came across many sites on photography, but never one like yours. You really hone in on the finer details and helping struggling photographers like myself in choosing when best to shoot and what settings to use. I love this segment, as well as the one on shooting pano when you explain the need to use the nodal stick to reduce perspective "distortion" and helps to blend multiple images better. I have since bought one such machine, thanks to your teaching. Please please continue to inspere us, the struggling photographers. Your voice is good, "smooth Scottish" accent I kind of getting used to now and it sounds like music to my ears. Thank you is never enough for such a great teacher like you.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

You are welcome, and thankyou very much. I hope i can continue to offer more insights. Kind regards, Ewan

[@Only1Feckitt]

This is a Masterclass! I think you have inspired me out of my creative hole!.. it's been a long one too. Thank you. you're a bloody treasure.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

You are welcome - anything to help! = )

[@neilalmond9354]

Thanks for the explaining the light at sunrise, Neil.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Neil. Thanks mate - i hope both this and the sunset one make sense together as its all in reverse! = ) Ewan

[@jbairdexp]

I really enjoyed that Ewan. Some great information there on how the light changes in the morning. I've visited that area before but never as a photographer to experience a dawn. Amazing. So glad someone recommended your channel for On My Watch List.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Cheers Julian, Thats kind of you to say. We have Mr Simon Booth to thank for that. I enjoyed shooting this and this is the type of stuff im aiming for. Things were happening quickly here though due to the altitude we were at, and in the short space of time - i seemed to have so much to do and get across. Challenging, but fun!. I Appreciate you taking the time to watch it though. = )

[@skarimagelab]

Great video Ewan! Can't wait to see it printed 😁

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Sanji, LOL. One day. Ill maybe send you the file to get your thoughts on it. E

[@donnakeeley4531]

I've been following you for a while as your images are simply stunning and inspiratonal. I've missed not seeing any for a while and this gave me a buzz and look forward to seeing more. Thank you so much

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Donna. I appreciate your support and feedback. Sorry its taken me a week ot reply. Ive been away on another shoot. Regards, Ewan

[@lorrainemccarty5113]

Wow what a great video to watch. Really interesting to hear your explanation about the sunrise & of course the amazing scenery helped !

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Lorraine. The scenery down there, is simply incredible.

[@johnbentley1056]

Great video and beautiful images as always. Very enjoyable and highly informative. Thank you. take care and stay safe.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey John. Thanks very much my friend. I always look forward to your continued feedback and support. Regards, Ewan

[@donaldnewton4947]

That was simply stunning!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Donald. Sure was a lovely morning.

[@AegirPhotography]

The lengths us landscape togs go to in order to capture the light perfectly illustrated. Stunning images, well worth the drive. :)

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Yes indeed, but every one of it worth it. Many thanks. Love your stuff too! Kind regards, Ewan

[@lookylookie]

Flipping heck, this is your best vlog yet !! Just stunning 🙌

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Ahh, thanks very much. Good feedback. I wasnt sure if it would make sense when i filmed it as there was so much going on at the one time.. and quickly. Appreciate the feedback. Ewan

[@thomasschwarze7288]

Yes! What a beautiful way to start the day...but also for me, just seeing this film! And I really have water in my eyes at the end! Never seen such beautiful and emotional video...given also such a bunch of information. Thank you very much! You made my day!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Thomas. What a lovely comment my friend. Humbling to receive indeed. Kind Regards Ewan

[@thomasschwarze7288]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages Hi Ewan, I've seen it again...and may thoughts and feelings are the same as they were years ago...simply beautiful video (and shots!) And I am a bit frustrated by photographers who probably shoot landscapes without such emphasis and emotion... Many of them think too much in a technical way how to get a shot! O.K. - the horizon has to be rather straight...but that's it! There is no mood, no "glow"...many of these shots can't touch my soul or may heart... So thanks again for some "refreshing" moments with you! I'll hope you're fine best wishes Thomas

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@thomasschwarze7288 - yes, I agree with you entirely, and thank you. I had been described as a technical photographer before but im not sure if that is accurate, and i only consider myself to be an accomplished professional. Hopefully that doesnt make me (only) a tech shooter. As I hardly ever take shots... there has to be more to it than just 'a scene'!... the scene has got to be right. If you have a look at my flickr account, it contains many more images, which have not had National Geographic awards, and hence not being for sale, but the colour palette and light are such, that it captivated me... hence i took the shot - not just taking a shot and making it up in post processing! - ) www.flickr.com/photos/eos1969/ Kind regards Thomas - Ewan = )

[@janebarnes4449]

Absolutely stunning. What a beautiful country we live in. Thanks for the information about sunrise light.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Jane. We surely do have to be living in one of the most beautiful countries on the planet! You are welcome! Regards, Ewan

[@jeffbarbour2194]

Great video and a fantastic image.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Jeff. Many thanks my friend. Appreciated heaps man. You have an awesome festive season and all the best for 2021! Regards, Ewan

[@rosssayer6524]

So inspirational, sometimes I’ve driven 2 hours to a location and the rewards are mostly good, this one of yours was just amazing.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Ross. Pretty cool spot huh!? Regards, Ewan

[@andrewsimpson5436]

Majestic mate. Your enthusiasm is infectious, beautifully explained and simply a joy to watch. OH and a pair of stunning images as a result.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Andrew. Appreciated mate. I do try my level best.

[@BosePhotography]

Just stunning, well worth the three hour drive and the early start. Amazing video Ewan, I love how you managed to describe how the light was changing (and why) during the course of the morning, and it really built up to a fantastic pair of images. It's great to get a bit of an insight into how you've planned these shots (rather than my usual turn-up-and-see approach!). Brilliant video! S.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Sam. Been wanting to do this vid for a while, as well as take that shot. I decided the night prior to do them both together when the conditions were forecasted to be right. A frantic shoot, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. Hope you are both well! = )

[@raomudasir6490]

Absolutely magical....

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Rao. Much appreciated. Regards, Ewan

[@davidpearce2981]

Stunning thank you Ewan

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

You are more than welcome David! Ewan

[@valpayne2963]

Just found you. Really glad I did. Great video, beautifully shot, has atmosphere, fascinating explanations and great images. Look forward to next.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Val. Welcome! Thanks for the great feedback. It's all too important, to keep us all going. I'll look forward to bringing you more over the coming months. Regards, Ewan

[@jamesmcluckie7088]

Awesome thank you.....😊👍🏻

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

You are more than welcome James. = ) Ewan

[@stevemckenzie4731]

Thanks mate. Always a treat seeing a new vlog from you ...

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Steve. Appreciate your feedback! Regards, Ewan

[@colmeg]

Beautiful!!!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Colin, Thanks very much mate. Appreciate your view and comment -= ) Ewan

[@jamesss1953]

a joy to listen and watch. Amazing mountain and amazing light……..

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much. It is one of my favourite mountains indeed. Kind regards for commenting and your continued support. Ewan

[@andrewhookerphotography4774]

Another stunning video, and location Ewan. You teach us how to, just by telling a story mixed with facts, and a description of what you are seeing. Thank you.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Andrew. Its humbling and the kind of feedback which keeps me going with it all! Kind regards, Ewan

[@gregoryhamilton6161]

nailed it, I wouldn't share with someone

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Lol. Thanks Gregory. 😊

[@Mudpix]

Another great vlog Ewan.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Jason. We will need to get out for another shoot some time when i get back from the South Island

[@adriankelly_edinburgh]

Another great video, Ewan, so thanks. You deserve far more subscribers and views, given the quality of your content!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks. Much appreciated! = )

[@Johnmell100]

Another great video Ewan, you never disappoint. Those images are just so stunningly beautiful. Nice bit of reversing at the end by the way!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI John. Its so reassuring to hear comments like that as it assures me that im on the right track. Re the reversing... yeah, im probably better at going backwards, thatn i am forwards!, and i left that in there to show what we have to do when we are out there shooting on our own. Made sense to leave it in. Regards, Ewan

[@timbrown5304]

Beautiful landscape Ewan which you've captured superbly. Thoroughly enjoyed watching your vlog. Thank you.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Tim. I love this part of NZ. Very few people stop here! Regards. Ewan

[@tonyfluertynaturephotograp5272]

This is the video of yours that really got my attention. I have wanted to take this shot for over ten years but never got the chance as the weather was never favourable or the timing was never right. I would never have got an image as good as yours, but at least I can stare at yours and wish if only. As Simon Booth said your explanation on the changing light was awesome. I will take that information and put it to good use. Thankyou.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thank you. Quite a special morning indeed. I appreciate your lovely comment. The second image here, also received a National Geographic award, and so is in my gallery on my website. A client in the States, had this printed at 1.5m, and was simply beautiful when printed. Lucky fellow, me! Kind regards, Ewan

[@PaulSmith-xg1jm]

Beautiful Ewan! I love the way you filmed that little piece at 10:37. Its a massive task to not only capture that image but also document it the way you did! Well done!! I'm also impressed your finger tips still work at -1.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Paul. Gotta love that drone for doing some cinematic pans etc. I said to Simon Booth before, that there was a lot of stuff going on in a short period of time, on account of the height of the mountains, as you usually have more time than idid here. I was working so fast, the fingers didnt have time to cool down properly. Kind regards, and sorry for not giving you a shout when i was in your neck of the woods!

[@PaulCSmithPhotographer]

Lol no worries mate I would have just got in the way. Take care

[@PMCN53]

Hey Ewan, such a wonderful location and your beautiful image capture of Mt Ngauruhoe. I really enjoy how you talk about the light you are using to capture the scene and you planning process. I was there in 2016 and the weather was not kind, low cloud/fog/rain, so we saw nothing at all. The same trip I planned to photograph Mt Taranaki, again after 3 days of low cloud/fog/rain, I left with no images. It gives me a reason to return there and try again. Keep the fantastic VLOGs coming, Cheers Phil

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI Phil - yeah, Landscape photography can be fraught with difficulty as i may find in a week or two when i head south again. I have the distint advantage of being here already and can plan some of my shoots around the weather! = ) Cheers Phil. Regards, Ewan

[@bobtommi2430]

A really excellent and instructive video Ewan. Great to see someone focussing on light and its interaction with a beautiful natural landscape; while teaching what to look for and why. Really inspiring. It’s no wonder your images are stunning. And very brave to get out of bed at 3.30am on a freezing morning!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Bryan. This appreciative side of the planet through photography is something that i want to try and get across in these 'instructional' videos. Re the temperature... its only 'NZ cold" rather than 'proper cold', LOL Thanks again. Ewan

[@tommymaddison]

Totally inspiring Ewan so looking forwards to our trip UK Tom

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Tom. Nice you see you making your way through the catalogue!LOL These are the mountains I talked about in the email on the central plateau Regards, Ewan

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Vlog Ewan

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Tony. Much appreciated. Kind regards, Ewan

[@StephenMilner]

Nice work mate, well worth the effort.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Cheers Stephen. Need to catchup soon.

[@StephenMilner]

Ewan Dunsmuir Images we will mate.

[@dfreitas853]

Another spectacular video with just stunning images. (love your office)

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much. LOL - yes my office that morning was pretty Epic. Some more nice 'offices' coming in the next few weeks as i venture to the south island again. Ewan

[@chrisplank3654]

Lovely Ewan. Never thought about a camper van for those long trips? Must be me getting older but i now prefer driving no more than 4 hours a day so use a motorhome to travel to the spot, camp out all night, get up much later but still early enough and feel far fresher for it. Plus i can go back to bed afterwards to warm up if its been a winter trip ;)

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Chris. Not for this one, but funnily enough.. im heading back into the midst of the South Island in under a week, where i will be in a campervan all the time, hoping to get some more great footage and images. Ewan

[@chrisplank3654]

Ewan Dunsmuir Images good luck with the trip. I’m really missing being out in the moho taking photos. Did a wee trip to Edinburgh on Saturday but got freaked out by the amount of people up Calton hill drinking and picnicking, no masks or social distancing. I doubt you’ll have that issue down there!

[@dominicscott1610]

What a beautiful morning Ewan! Another great video from you with truly beautiful images and explanation included. Your pano shots are very inspiring and I've enjoyed doing some myself thanks to your inspiration and tuition via your videos - thank you!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Dominic, thats very kind. You shoot them like you have been doing them for years! = ) Ewan

[@FabrizioZago]

Great video with beautifil photos, I like the image 2 at best, I like the colours more.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Fabrizio. The images I enjoyed taking, and the first one only really being shot as a reference for the second one, to further explain the different the sun and light makes, in only two short minutes apart. Thank you. Ewan

[@McKinnellPhotography]

As always, quality shots and film making, thank you Ewan.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Gosh, thank you. Regards, Ewan

[@MrRooster1968]

Excellent. So worth the wait for your vlogs keep safe mate

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Paul, thanks very much. Im comitted to doing a few more, slightly more often as i enjoy them, but need to watch that i dont scrimp on the quality. You stay safe too!

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Ewan, your films keep me gripped until the end every time. Beautiful cinematic footage with appropriate music but the story of the day is just lovely and I wish I was there, that’s the feeling I get from this film.. I wish I was there. Fab images sir

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Ian. You will see that my films are changing over time, inspired by your Norwegian friend Oddbjorn Austevik, in some respects. I do things the wrong way around often by getting music in my mind first before i shoot and the timing of this one... just fell perfectly into place, as i didnt have to clip, nor loop the music for this one. Meant to be obviously! Cheers Ian. Ewan

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Ewan Dunsmuir Images Good to hear, will tell Oddbjørn.. he will be happy about that!

[@robingrant8082]

Fabulous as always.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many Thanks = )

[@AlexTikonoff]

Thank you Ewan for such a beautiful video. Reminds us the photography is both art and play. Any chance you consider going somewhere in group? Cheers!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi AT . Thanks very much. Im always keen to catch up with other photographers when i can balance the time between, the vids, workshops and other stuff, but absolutely.

[@tonys3112]

Great talk on early morning light. Only been there once with those conditions, your right it is a view to behold.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

morning Tony. Thank you, and yes... quite a place indeed! E

[@tonys3112]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages I went back to my photos and lo and behold applying what I learnt in this video I re edited and what a difference.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@tonys3112 - Thats awesome mate. where can i see it?

[@gransha3]

Absolutely stunning Ewan, just beautiful.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Ian. Ill send you an itinerary for the south island tomorrow morning, if not tonight. Looking forward to leaving on the 17th. Be in Mount cook are probably about the 20th. Speak soon

[@gransha3]

Looking forward to catching up with you again Ewan

[@gregoryhamilton6161]

mate glad to see you are still using pentax, after experimenting with fuji, I want to to know more, im buying a pentax 645z body because of you, yesterday

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Gregory. I know right. the colour science and colour management on the Z is better than that of the r or the S. (Thatll polarise people) Send mw an email on [e-mail] and I can answer questions you may have. Cheers.

[@JavierMedinaImagery]

Awesome job Ewan. I know first hand the cold feeling you must have been dealing with. They must be the same I felt when I was there photographing the mountains. I'm making new video content again soon, so keep an eye out!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Cheers Javier. Its been too long. A wonderful part of our wonderful country though. Regards, Ewan

[@grantnewton5705]

Great Vlog and great images ... I did get confused when you mentioned Whakapapa ski field ...... if you were on the east side near Waihohonu wouldn’t this have been Tukino skifield?

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Grant. Yeah my geography amongst all the majestic mountains, covered in snow. Whakapapa i believe is just round the corner on the right hnd side, but you are right, Tukino left of centre and Turoa further to the left. = ) I was tired and cold though, so probably not clear on my thoughts. Thanks for the feedback though. Much appreciated. Regards, Ewan

[@ianharrison6192]

Another great video! Did you have to get a permit to use a drone there?

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Ian. Thanks very much! = ) In a National Park, yes you would, but this starting part of the Waihohonu track is not actually on the National Park. See link here, where the top cut out is where the track starts. www.alltrails.com/parks/new-zealand/manawatu-wanganui/tongariro-national-park/lake Its a really good point, as you need to get a consent issued normally for DOC land and other reserves. Call it lucky, i reckon! Kind regards, and thankyou again. = )

[@hung.kwangtan7795]

I am having no success in buying the Focus Ring like yours which clicks into place. Plse allow me to have the information to buy same. Thanks

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Hung. The focus ring on the Pentax 645 switched on the lens by sliding it and clicking it back and forth from AF to MF, rather than this be a device which i bought to use with it. Is that what you mean? Ewan .

[@hung.kwangtan7795]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages it's the device which you use to do manuel focus. I bought 1 w black nylon ring but its fiddly and hard to put on at night. Thanks

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@hung.kwangtan7795 - Ahhh. Try this. you will ne ensure that this is the riught size for the barrel of your lens. www.amazon.com/SUNWAYFOTO-63mm-71mm-Adjustable-Focusing-DRH-65/dp/B004G2XJIS/ref=sr_1_1?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&dchild=1&keywords=sunwayfoto+lens+handle&linkCode=ur2&qid=1611178342&s=electronics&sr=1-1&tag=pixacomcom-20&x=0&y=0 Hope that helps. Ewan

[@hung.kwangtan7795]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages yes, that's precisely what I have been looking for. Found it at Lazada which sells same for less. Thanks again.

[@hung.kwangtan7795]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages Again, many thanks for the assistance. The Sunwayfoto clamp came today, and I tested it and found it working fine. The device is made of anodised Aluminium, its solid, and very easy to put on and clamp to the side of focus ring (or zoom ring for video work?), it does not come off easily and movement is very accurate. Though I need not clamp it too tight for smooth action. I use Pentax K1, the sensor is Sony 36mp with no aliasing filter, by that it should be 20% (guess) sharper than those with. My Pentax lens are, well, not as well made, but stopping them down to f8 f11 seemed to work wonders. I am able to print up to 45 inches width with 36mp. 60 inches possible with noise reduction or other enhancement tools. Again, you have made my photography life more enjoyable and ever rewarding. Thank you a million folds, good luck to your daughters career in music, I am sure she will eventually be a top notch artist like her father. Cheers!