Beyond the Cast

Tag: camera settings

The Lone Sailor – Honoring Service Through the Lens

Photos and story by David Poole

While walking the National Mall during golden hour, I stopped to photograph one of the more quietly powerful tributes in D.C.—The Lone Sailor statue, located just outside the National Archives. This figure stands as a symbol of all who have served in the U.S. Navy, representing both honor and solitude. The contrast of bronze and stone against the soft, fading light created the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect through photography.

“The Lone Sailor may be a statue, but through the lens, he becomes a reminder of those quiet moments of waiting, traveling, and sacrifice.”

The Lone Sailor statue stands in silent reflection, facing the National Archives building in Washington, D.C.—a powerful tribute to service, memory, and history

Composition & Creative Approach

The first image frames the statue from behind, gazing toward the National Archives building just as the city lights begin to glow against the deep blue sky. I composed it wide to balance the lone figure with the architectural symmetry and American flags above.

The second shot tightens the frame for a portrait-style perspective. This highlights the sailor’s detailed expression and gear, with a shallow depth of field blurring the cityscape behind him. I wanted the viewer to feel like they had walked right up to the statue for a conversation.

A front portrait of the Lone Sailor statue in Washington, D.C., capturing the solemn expression and dignified stance as he faces the National Archives in quiet tribute

Gear Used

• Camera: Canon R5

• Lens: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L

• Tripod: K&F Concept Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Editing: Lightroom (iPad Pro)

• Selective radial filters for depth

• Texture slider to enhance bronze details

• Minimal color grading to preserve realism

Photography Tips

• Golden + Blue Hour: These times give you soft, directional light with rich contrast—perfect for monuments.

• Perspective: Lower angles create more presence and power in statues. Don’t shoot everything from eye level.

• Background Awareness: A wide aperture (like f/1.2–f/2.8) helps isolate the subject and reduce distracting background elements.

• Surface Reflections: Slightly wet pavement or stone can enhance contrast and mood. Look for patterns or shine in the ground.

Historical Note

The Lone Sailor is a life-size bronze statue created by artist Stanley Bleifeld and dedicated in 1987 by the United States Navy Memorial Foundation. It represents the personal experiences of every Navy service member—standing watch, ready to deploy, duffle bag at his side. Positioned in the heart of the nation’s capital, the statue serves as a powerful tribute to those who’ve served and sacrificed across all naval conflicts.

A side view of the Lone Sailor statue in Norfolk, Virginia, captures the sailor’s steady gaze and weathered sea bag, symbolizing honor and readiness by the water’s edge

Final Thoughts

The Lone Sailor statue isn’t just bronze and detail—it’s memory cast in metal. It honors every sailor who ever stood on a pier and looked out over uncertain waters, carrying hope, fear, pride, and purpose. Capturing it through the lens reminded me why photography matters—it freezes emotion, preserves light, and offers space for reflection.

Whether I’m out fly fishing in the Rockies or walking through a city with camera in hand, moments like these remind me that stillness can speak just as loudly as motion. This statue, set against the hustle of Washington, D.C., tells a quiet story of duty and distance—and invites each of us to pause and remember.

“Some monuments don’t just honor history—they make you feel it.”

Thanks for reading and stepping into this moment with me. More photo essays, fishing stories, and explorations coming soon. Until then, keep your eyes open and your shutter ready—because meaning lives in the details.

April 24, 2025
Bridges of Time: From the Ohio River to the East River

Bridges fascinate me. Not just as structures, but as symbols—of movement, ambition, and connection. On a recent photo journey, I captured three iconic bridges that span both distance and time: the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge in New York. Each tells a story—woven through cables and steel—of the people who dreamed them into being.

1. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge – Cincinnati, Ohio

A black and white image of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio, highlighting the timeless elegance and architectural detail of this iconic river crossing

Stretching across the Ohio River, this was the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge. Designed by John A. Roebling, it was completed in 1866 and, at the time, held the record for the longest suspension bridge in the world. Roebling’s engineering brilliance—using a combination of wrought iron cables and stone towers—set the stage for a new era of American infrastructure.

“Before New York, there was Cincinnati—Roebling’s first vision suspended in blue over the Ohio.”

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio, captured in full color—its blue steel and stone towers standing tall over the Ohio River, blending historic charm with bold engineering

Standing beneath it with my Canon R5 and Sigma lens, I was drawn to its symmetry and quiet strength. The bridge’s powder-blue hue gives it a timeless, almost dreamlike presence against the river’s steady flow.

2. Brooklyn Bridge – New York City

A black and white view of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, showcasing its iconic arches and sweeping cables in timeless contrast and detail

Roebling’s ultimate vision came to life years later in New York. The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, combined stone masonry with advanced steel cable suspension, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn in a feat many once believed impossible. Its story is one of perseverance: Roebling died during early construction, and his son Washington took over—only to become bedridden from caisson disease. Washington’s wife, Emily Roebling, stepped in as a key player, relaying instructions and overseeing much of the final work.

“A bridge that began with tragedy became an enduring symbol of grit and grace.”

Photographing it from beneath the Manhattan Bridge felt like witnessing the ghost of Roebling’s genius lingering between towers of stone and light.

3. Manhattan Bridge – New York City

A black and white composition featuring both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, capturing the timeless elegance of New York City’s iconic river crossings

Just upstream, the Manhattan Bridge—completed in 1909—stands as the younger, grittier sibling of the Brooklyn Bridge. Designed by Leon Moisseiff, it marked a turning point in engineering, featuring modern steel and a design built to withstand the demands of subway traffic. It may not have the fame of the Brooklyn Bridge, but its lines are bold, and its symmetry underappreciated.

A striking monochrome view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the New York City skyline, highlighting the bold lines and timeless character of the urban landscape

Shot with my Canon R5 and Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8, I worked from the shoreline to emphasize its sweeping structure and moody urban drama. The overcast sky added natural contrast, highlighting the steelwork and texture.

“Three bridges, three rivers, one story—of legacy suspended in steel.”

Gear Breakdown:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5

• Lens: Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

• Tripod: K&F Concept (used for longer exposures in lower light)

• Editing: Lightroom for iPad Pro (Selective contrast + dehaze for architectural texture)

Photography Tip: Use leading lines and vanishing points to draw viewers through the frame—especially when shooting suspension bridges from ground level. Don’t be afraid to tilt upward to exaggerate scale.

Final Thoughts

Each of these bridges tells its own story—not just of engineering brilliance, but of human resilience, vision, and the pursuit of connection. From Roebling’s first suspension design in Ohio to his iconic achievement in Brooklyn, and finally to the steel giant of the Manhattan Bridge, these structures rise above the water as monuments to ingenuity and time.

As a photographer, standing beneath them reminds me why I chase light and line through the lens. It’s not just about capturing a structure—it’s about capturing the soul of a place, the echo of footsteps across a span, the silent stories carved into steel and stone.

“In a world always in motion, bridges remind us that great things stand still—and still stand.”

Thanks for following along on this journey across rivers and time. I’ll be sharing more urban photography, historical explorations, and behind-the-scenes gear tips in upcoming posts—whether it’s under a steel truss or out in the wild. Until then, keep chasing light, chasing stories, and always take the long way across.

April 20, 2025
Chasing Light and Perspective: Finding the Shot Beyond the Obvious

Photography in the outdoors isn’t just about clicking the shutter—it’s about reading the light, finding intentional angles, and understanding how timing transforms a scene. Whether I’m hiking through wildflowers, waiting quietly in a bird blind, or navigating city streets with a wide lens, I’m always chasing the moment that tells the story best.

Timing the Wild: Bald Eagle at Golden Hour

This bald eagle shot captures more than a bird—it captures focus, patience, and light. I waited for the golden hour to gently highlight the eagle’s feathers and profile, shooting through a natural frame of blurred branches to keep attention on the intensity of its gaze.

Close-up of a bald eagle staring intensely with sharp yellow eyes, showcasing its powerful beak and detailed feathers against a blurred natural background

Outdoor bird photography tip: Use natural framing and soft backlight for dramatic wildlife portraits.

Gear: Canon R5 with canon 400mm L series lens. Edited in Lightroom for natural contrast and feather detail.

Path to the Sun: Framing With Leading Lines

This image of a wooden boardwalk leading toward the glowing sunset was all about golden hour beach photography and using strong leading lines. The reflection of sunlight on the wet boards gave the image texture and warmth, making it feel like you’re stepping straight into the light.

Photography tip: Position yourself at a low angle to exaggerate reflections and symmetry, especially when shooting at sunrise or sunset.

Gear: iPhone capture, edited in Lightroom Mobile to adjust warmth, contrast, and highlights.

Low and Wild: Bluebonnets and Cabins

Spring in Texas brings with it a flood of color—especially bluebonnets. This low-angle wildflower shot was taken by lying on the ground to let the flowers dominate the foreground. The rustic cabin in the background gives a sense of place and scale, inviting the viewer to imagine stepping into that clearing.

Texas Hill Country cabin with bluebonnets in full bloom, low-angle photography capturing rustic charm and wildflowers in spring

Photography tip: Don’t be afraid to get dirty—some of the best shots come from the ground level.

Fog and Structure: Lighthouse in the Mist

Fog can strip away distractions and emphasize mood. This shot of a lighthouse barely emerging through the coastal fog was taken early in the morning. The structure becomes a silhouette, and the lack of color enhances the sense of solitude.

Mist drapes the Hudson River Lighthouse in a soft veil of fog, capturing a quiet, ethereal moment on the water

Photography tip: Switch to monochrome or embrace fog’s desaturation in post to focus attention on contrast and composition.

Moments in Motion: Washington, D.C. Street Perspective

In this street photo of two people walking through Washington, D.C., I focused on symmetry and timing. Lining up the trees and path allowed the subjects to become part of the environment rather than the center of attention—storytelling through subtlety.

In black and white, two figures walk the National Mall in Washington, D.C., their shadows stretching across the sidewalk as the fading light of evening adds a touch of nostalgia to the scene

Gear: Canon 24–70mm lens.

Urban Giants: Low Angle in Cincinnati

Standing at the base of a towering building in Cincinnati, I wanted to emphasize the size and geometry of the architecture. Shooting from a low angle with a wide lens, I caught clean lines pulling skyward while the morning light cast soft shadows down the building’s face. The cloudy sky above added contrast to the structure’s strong verticals.

An old stone building, rich with history and character, stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring architectural beauty

Architecture photography tip: Use a wide-angle lens and crouch low to create a sense of scale and grandeur. Overcast skies can be great for soft, even light.

Gear: Canon 16–35mm f/4L lens. Slight Lightroom correction for vertical distortion and contrast.

Echoes of Time: Plantation Home Beneath a Century-Old Oak

There’s something timeless about black and white photography—especially when the subject already carries a hundred years of history in its bones.

This image features a historical plantation home framed beneath the sprawling arms of a live oak tree that’s likely been standing for over a century. Shot in monochrome, every crack in the bark and weathered board on the home tells its own story. The absence of color lets the textures do the talking—the gnarled branches, the sharp contrast between shadow and light, the sun casting a soft glow on the edge of the roofline.

historic plantation home stands behind a century-old oak tree, its majestic branches creating a serene backdrop for the timeless architecture

What drew me to this shot wasn’t just the structure, but the relationship between the house and the tree. The oak doesn’t just stand in front of the house—it presides over it. Its limbs stretch wide like protective arms, yet its roots run just as deep into the same soil that built the home.

Photography tip: When capturing historic architecture in black and white, shoot during late afternoon or early morning when shadows stretch longer. Let contrast tell the story—light becomes your narrator.

Gear: Canon R5, 24–105mm L lens. Converted to monochrome in Lightroom, with emphasis on clarity and shadow depth.

Final Thoughts: Walk Farther, Wait Longer

Every photo tells a story, but it’s the search for that story—the walking, waiting, watching—that makes the capture worth it. Whether it’s chasing golden hour on a boardwalk in the Cozumel, crouching low to frame a Cincinnati building just right, or catching the fog wrap around a lighthouse like a secret, it’s all about finding the angle that speaks.

Some moments, like the soft silhouette of two people walking a path in D.C., are subtle. Others—like the commanding presence of a black-and-white plantation home beneath a 100-year-old oak—are loud in their stillness. They remind us that time, light, and history are always working together in the frame.

Behind the lens and out in the wild, whether I’m on the flats chasing redfish or tucked beneath a canopy of trees chasing light, my goal is always the same: tell a story worth pausing for. Through my blog, I share not just images, but the journey it took to get them—gear tips, camera setups, editing workflows, and the terrain beneath my boots.

Keep exploring, keep shooting, and always chase the light.

April 18, 2025
Mini Street Series: Light, Lines & Legacy

Street photography is about more than documenting buildings or city scenes—it’s about pausing in the hum of a city’s rhythm to frame character, history, and light in a single moment. This short series explores a few such moments from my walk through the streets and riverfront of downtown Cincinnati.

1. Lyric Piano Company & Tri-State Jeweler Row

Black and white photo of Lyric Piano Company and Tri-State Jewelers Row storefronts, showcasing historic architecture in downtown Cincinnati

Black and white always strips a scene down to form, texture, and contrast. In this image, I was drawn to the architectural details of these neighboring buildings. The Lyric Piano Co. facade, adorned with Roman columns and arched windows, tells of a once-vibrant musical past, now quietly echoing into modernity.

Beside it, the Tri-State Jewelers storefront anchors the present with its bold signage—functional, utilitarian, and a little worn. Above, the sky breaks into soft clouds, adding an airy counterbalance to the hard geometry of the structures below. The car, the walker—passing stories in a place that feels paused.

2. Roebling Bridge: Steel & Shadow

Black and white image of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, highlighting steel cables and dramatic shadows with architectural contrast

The Roebling Suspension Bridge, a historical marvel that spans the Ohio River, offered a chance to capture scale and symmetry. Shot in monochrome to emphasize the structural lines and mood, I waited until the sun broke through behind the towers, casting deep shadows and light beams across the clouds.

From this angle, the bridge rises like a gateway, connecting not just Kentucky and Ohio, but the past and present—steel cables and weathered stone holding decades of transit, trade, and change. You can almost feel the wind cutting across the river as trains roll in the distance.

Street-level view of Cincinnati City Hall in full color, where historic architecture meets everyday city life on the sidewalk

3. City Hall & Sidewalk Voices

This final image returns to full color—a bold departure that matches the mood of the scene. The warm stonework of Cincinnati’s historic City Hall glows under the midday sun, flanked by deep blue skies and kinetic clouds.

But the most powerful element is at your feet. The painted fists and vibrant mural on the pavement transform the street into a message. It’s protest, pride, and art—urban storytelling beneath gothic towers. This contrast between civic architecture and grassroots voice is what makes street photography come alive.

Gear Used:

Canon R5, Sigma Art lenses, edited in Lightroom on iPad Pro with contrast-focused black and white presets and radial masking for sky balance.

Closing Thoughts — Legacy in Every Line

Street photography isn’t just about documenting what we see—it’s about interpreting how we feel in the presence of place, shadow, and time.

As I walked through downtown Cincinnati, camera in hand, I wasn’t chasing the perfect subject. I was following textures, contrasts, and the way light touched the city’s surfaces. Each image in this mini series captures a layered moment: the quiet power of a historic bridge, the voice of protest beneath gothic spires, the way old storefronts still speak in black and white.

These streets hold more than movement—they hold memory.

Legacy is written in brick, steel, glass, and sky.

And with every frame, we get to preserve a small part of it.

Thank you for joining me on this walk through Light, Lines & Legacy.

Share your own images with the tag #LegacyInLines

And above all—keep looking deeper. The stories are always there, waiting in the light.

April 15, 2025
The Art of Outdoor Photography: Gear, Techniques, and Editing

Photography is more than just capturing an image—it’s about telling a story, finding the perfect composition, and adjusting to ever-changing outdoor conditions. Whether I’m fishing in Texas, hiking through the mountains, or capturing the night sky, my approach to photography combines technical knowledge with an artistic eye.

On my recent trip to New Mexico, as I pursued the Trout Grand Slam, I found myself surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever photographed. The Rio Grande Gorge, Red River, and Rio Costilla offered not only incredible fishing but also endless opportunities for photography.

My Gear Setup

Camera and Lenses

I shoot with the Canon R5, a powerhouse mirrorless camera with outstanding image quality and dynamic range. To adapt to different shooting conditions, I rely on a mix of Sigma series lenses and Canon L series lenses, which offer sharp optics and great performance in low light.

For landscapes, my go-to is a wide-angle lens, such as the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, which allows me to capture vast mountain vistas and sweeping coastal scenes. When shooting astrophotography, I use fast prime lenses, like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ART, which excels at gathering light for crisp, detailed shots of the night sky.

Accessories for Outdoor Photography

• K&F Concept Backpack – A durable and spacious pack that safely holds my camera gear, extra batteries, and filters.

• K&F Concept Tripod – A sturdy, lightweight tripod is essential for long exposures, low-light photography, and astrophotography.

• ND and Polarizing Filters – Useful for managing reflections, enhancing colors, and allowing for longer exposures in daylight.

Mastering Exposure: ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

One of the keys to great photography is understanding the exposure triangle: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Since conditions can change rapidly outdoors, I keep a cheat sheet handy for quick reference:

• ISO – Keep it low (100-400) for bright conditions to avoid noise. Increase it in low light but balance it with shutter speed.

• Shutter Speed – Fast (1/1000s or higher) for action shots, slower (1/10s to several seconds) for landscapes, and long (15s+ for astrophotography).

• Aperture (f-stop) – Wide (f/1.8–f/2.8) for night shots, mid-range (f/8–f/11) for landscapes, and narrow (f/16+) for deep depth of field.

Composition and the Art of Photography

A great photo isn’t just about sharpness—it’s about composition and storytelling. I look for leading lines, balance, and unique angles to create compelling images. Shooting from different perspectives—such as low to the ground for foreground depth or high vantage points for expansive views—makes a huge difference.

Protecting Gear in Harsh Conditions

Since I shoot in rugged environments—mountains, rivers, and coastal areas—protecting my gear is crucial. I always bring:

• Weather-sealed camera covers to protect against rain and dust.

• Microfiber cloths for wiping lenses.

• Silica gel packs in my bag to prevent moisture buildup.

• Lens hoods to reduce glare and shield against elements.

Editing on the Go: Lightroom & iPad Pro

Once I’ve captured my shots, I refine them in Adobe Lightroom, often using my iPad Pro for quick field edits. This allows me to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance on-site without waiting to get back to my desktop.

Key Lightroom Techniques:

• Photo Stacking – Merging multiple shots for sharper images.

• Graduated Filters – Enhancing skies and landscapes selectively.

• Noise Reduction – Crucial for high-ISO astrophotography.

Before and After

Astrophotography: Lenses & Techniques

Astrophotography is one of my favorite challenges. Fast prime lenses like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ARTor the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4L allow for more light intake, creating sharp, vibrant night sky images. Using a tripod and remote shutter release, I capture long exposures (15-30 seconds) at a high ISO (3200-6400).

Astrophotography in the Mountains

There’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way stretch over a remote mountain range. Shooting astrophotography at high altitudes reduces light pollution and enhances clarity.

Final Thoughts

Photography is an art that blends technical skills with creativity. Whether I’m shooting sunrises on the coast, rugged mountain landscapes, or the Milky Way, every photo tells a story. With the right gear, knowledge, and post-processing techniques, I can capture the world the way I see it—one shot at a time.

Stay Connected with Beyond the Cast

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Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!

March 23, 2025