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An early morning photography walk in winter offers a unique atmosphere for photography, and the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf provided the perfect setting. Armed with my newly acquired Canon EOS R5 and the reliable 24-70mm L-series EF lens, I ventured out to capture the quiet beauty of the winter season.
Pre-Dawn Stillness
Early Morning photography is all about embracing the soft, muted tones of the pre-dawn hours. The cold air, though not frosty, added a subtle crispness to the scene. The canal reflected the silhouettes of bare trees against a deep navy sky, creating a tranquil and moody setting.
One of the advantages of photography winter. is the calmness of the environment. At this time of day, there were no disturbances, and the lack of wind ensured perfect reflections. The Canon EOS R5’s dynamic range handled the low light exceptionally well, retaining details in both shadows and highlights.
The Golden Hour Transformation
As the sun began to rise, the scene transformed into a painter’s palette of warm hues. Photography during golden hour can be magical, with the light adding depth and contrast to the landscape. The clear sky provided an unobstructed view of the sunrise, casting a golden glow across the towpath and canal.
Using the wide aperture of the 24-70mm lens, I captured images of frost-free reeds and moored boats against the glowing sky. The versatility of this lens allowed me to switch seamlessly between wide-angle shots of the canal and tighter compositions of individual details.
Adapting to the Changing Light
Early Morning photography requires adaptability, especially as the light evolves rapidly during sunrise. To capture the vibrant colours without overexposing the highlights, I switched to manual mode. Shooting directly into the light created opportunities for dramatic flare and silhouettes, which added character to the images.
One standout photograph featured the sun peeking through tree branches, creating a natural starburst effect. Post-processing this shot in Lightroom allowed me to enhance the tonal contrast and bring out the rich colors of the sky while maintaining the natural feel of the scene.
Post-Processing in Lightroom
Winter photographs often benefits from thoughtful editing to emphasize the season’s unique qualities. In Lightroom, I worked on balancing the cool pre-dawn tones with the warm hues of sunrise. For the earlier shots, I adjusted the white balance slightly cooler to retain the chilly ambiance, while the golden hour images received a touch of added vibrance to make the colours pop.
The Joy of Winter Photography
This morning walk reminded me why I love winter photography. The quiet beauty of the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf provided endless opportunities for creative exploration. The Canon EOS R5 and 24-70mm lens performed flawlessly, capturing the scene’s every nuance.
If you’re looking for inspiration during the colder months, I highly recommend taking your camera on an early morning winter walk. The stillness and unique lighting conditions make winter photography an incredibly rewarding experience.
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