Composing the Towers

Having an hour at the lakeside of the three towers of Torres Del Paine was a great chance to scamper around and try and get the best shot. I have never before been so thankful for my polarizing filter that made the sky blue and the lake so green! But good composition for landscape requires interest in the foreground. This proved quite a challenge on the slopes of a moraine looking over a lake!

To clarify - 50 years ago the green lake was not there it was in fact a glacier. You can see what remains of the glacier below the towers. The slope we were on and that you can see to the left and right is what is called a moraine - rocks and debris that were pushed up by the glacier when it existed, and now it has retreated it has left the moraine in tact, and a glacial lake that is coloured by the minerals from the glacial water.

Panorama - portrait shots stitched together. Canon EOS 50D f/9, 1/320, ISO 200, 18mm

I like this photo because it inspired me to get a wide angle lens. It is a stitched panorama of three photos. I like the foreground with the rocks, leading your eye into the lake and up the towers. It is a pity the mist decided to cross at that precise moment, but otherwise I am happy with this composition.

Canon EOS 50D f/9, 1/400 ISO 200 18mm. Polarizing filter.

 I must admit this is another favourite. Maybe not as well composed as the first, the colours are what grab me in this one. With a polarizing filter and enough clear sky for that blue to contrast with the towers. Magnifique! I have this on a canvas on the wall. For me colour beats composition and even this composition is not bad. It almost fits the rule of thirds, kind of has a leading line in the lake...getting there.

Canon EOS 50D f/9, 1/400, ISO 200, 18mm. Polorazing filter

Finally, an alternative. I found myself taking a lot of portrait landscapes. I don't know if it is Pinterest influence or what, but I quite like a portrait landscape. This one is quite good with the rocks in the foreground, although the rock is a little too soft. I haven't quite mastered the depth of field thing yet. One thing at a time.