Grounded Iceberg, Beechey Island, North West Passage
Fujifilm GFX100S II, GF20-35mmF4 R WR, f11 @ 20 seconds, ISO 40, ND Filter

Another, hopefully enjoyable iceberg. No matter how often I visit the polar regions, it's hard not to meet at least one or two icebergs that are deserving of a photograph! The approach is quite straightforward - darken things down in post-production.

At capture, I'm careful not to clip the highlights. Usually the camera's meter does a great job, although I usually have the exposure compensation set at EV-0.67 or -1.0. I'm sure the camera engineers will tell me I'm being too conservative and that I am perhaps missing out on some better information in the shadow areas. I know my raw files often look a little dark, but I am paranoid about clipping my highlights. I am seeking counselling for this.

In post-production, I darken down the whole image until the surroundings look about right and then I can use masks and selections to bring up the iceberg itself. I am looking to retain a hint of tone in the brightest areas and sufficient density to reveal the texture in the rest of the iceberg.

In this particular image, I used cloning and healing to remove a couple of renegade photographers with their own tripods (on the left). And I'm sure they have done the same to me! I also lightened up the white water where the swell was breaking on the shore, and a section of water to the right of the iceberg. 

I could have brought out more detail in the sky, but what's the photo all about? If I push the sky too far, will that distract attention rather than strengthen the composition? The easiest way to answer this is to push the sky too far and then bring it back until the balance is right.

Finally, for long exposure work, pick the right iceberg! You want one that is grounded, either on the beach or on a shallow shoal, not one that is bobbing around and will blur!

And if you're interested in seeing more of this series of photos, I have a 100-page ePortfolio available for sale on the on website. It's titled North West Passage. You can see more details by clicking here.