Gettysburg at Sunrise

Had the privilege of visiting Gettysburg for a leadership seminar.  It was led by Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, US Army, retired, former Chief of Military History at the US Military Academy at West Point.  They did a great job of preserving the battlefields and had the opportunity to walk from Seminary Ridge to Cemetery Ridge, across the battlefield where Picket’s Charge took place.  It was a very surreal experience.

I went a day early to get a chance to take some pictures, of course.  Spent the first afternoon going to the visitor center and scouting out the area in preparation for shooting at sunrise the next day.  Got to Cemetery Ridge just before sunrise.  It was interesting to be there at sunrise with no one else around.  Took several photos as the sun was coming up and then walked out on the battlefield where Picket’s Charge took place.  It was a very interesting but humbling experience to say the least.  I can’t imaging the courage that it took to cross that battlefield on July 3, 1863.  Being there puts the history books into a little more perspective.  A very moving experience.

Got my best photos in the early morning golden light, as always.  Did get one bird photo that I’ll post later.  Just wish that I would have had more time and a few more mornings to shoot.  Good excuse to go back again someday.

You can see more of my photos from Gettysburg on my web site under the “History” gallery:  http://www.timtimmis.com/History/Gettysburg/25484802_z3Qrcp#!i=2099796373&k=M8CcbMC

These photos were taken with my Canon 7D and Canon 100-400 lens, handheld.  The wide-angle shots on my website were taken with my Canon 17-40mm lens.

Statue of General Webb with the sun rising behind it.

1/8000 sec @ F5.6, ISO 400, evaluative metering, -2 exposure compensation

Horse drawn carriage used for canon supplies that was glowing in the morning light

1/400 sec @ F5.6, ISO 400, evaluative metering, -1 exposure compensation

Taken from the battlefield just in front of the union line at Cemetery Ridge.  The tall grass was glowing at sunrise.  Had to crank back the exposure compensation to -2.

1/6400 sec @ F5.6, ISO 400, evaluative metering, -2 exposure compensation

There was a hint of fog in the air and the morning dew was everywhere.   Made for a cool look on the canons.  Zoomed in tight on this canon wheel and you can see the depth of field at F5.6.

1/320 sec @ F5.6, ISO 400, evaluative metering, -2/3 exposure compensation

View approaching the union lines on Cemetery Ridge.  A little lens flare for added effect.  I was going to try to clone it out but kind of like the look so left it in.

1/8000 sec @ F5.6, ISO 400, evaluative metering, -1 exposure compensation