Last month, we were able to catch up with photographer, Stacy William Head, and talk about the amazing shot he had face mounted on TruLife® Acrylic.

 

 

Stacy is a landscape photographer based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, in a very small area known as Crowsnest Pass (“Naturally rewarding!”). His work usually incorporates long exposure techniques to create images that convey a sense of depth, along with the passage of time.

 

 

Stacy William Head enjoys exploring and photographing the area he lives in, as well as the neighboring National Parks, such as Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes. Stacy is an official NiSi Canada Photographer, an ambassador for LowePro (camera bags), and FotoPro (other camera accessories).

 

 

When did photography become a passion?  

 

About five years ago, I first joined Instagram with a private account and started to notice the amazing images on there. I was especially drawn to the surreal look that can be achieved through the use of long exposure. Then I moved out of the city into a small mountain town and really became passionate about the artform.

 

 

Where was this photo taken?

 

This photo was taken in Southern Alberta, Canada. It is “The Burmis Tree“—a limber pine. 

 

 

The tree died in the late 1970s after losing its needles. Limber trees are known to survive harsh conditions and are one of the longest living trees in Alberta. This tree was estimated to be between 600 and 750 years old. In 1998, it was toppled by winds and was stabilized by Historic Sites staff using stainless steel rods and brackets.

 

 

In 2004, vandals cut one of the tree’s main branches. Locals then fixed it again with glue and a prop pole. The community rallied to have the new Highway 3 built around the tree, rather than destroy the heritage symbol it has become.

 

 

The tree remains as the sole point of interest in the once prosperous town of Burmis.

 

 

What struck you about this scene or location?

 

I wanted to get something different with this shot, so instead of the standard shot with the mountain in the background, I shot it from the opposite angle.

 

 

What were you “after” in this shot?

 

I wanted to get a low angle to create a more three-dimensional feel. Leading lines of the branches combined with some good sunrise light added mood and contrast to the tree.

 

 

What variables did you have to compensate for, and how did you?

 

I took multiple shots at different angles and settings. Many of my shots are panoramic but this one was one shot with the camera in portrait orientation.

 

 

The good light and colors only lasted for a few minutes, so I had to work quickly.

 

 

What type of reactions do you hope it produces in viewers?

 

I hope to convey a feeling of beauty and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

 

What camera and lens did you use? Why?

 

I use a Nikon D810 with a 16-35mm Nikkor lens. I love this camera because of its high dynamic range and large RAW file size.

 

 

It allows for excellent detail to be brought out in post-processing and its been extremely reliable in all weather conditions. The wide angle lens allows me to get very close to the foreground and capture a large area at once. It is also of great quality—producing sharp images consistently.

 

 

What are some of the important technical details of the shot, timing, exposure?

 

I wanted to get a unique, three-dimensional composition for this shot, so a low angle close to the base of the tree was important. I did use a three stop soft graduated filter to balance the sky.

 

 

It was shot at aperture f16, focal length 16mm, ISO64 with an exposure time of three seconds.

 

 

Why did you choose this photo for the TruLife® face mount?

 

The quality and durability of the TruLife® face mounting process are second to none. Exceptional—it is a very professional product that produces an image that will last a lifetime.

 

 

Where can we find more of Stacy William Head?

 

Stacy informs us that his new website is being updated to include TruLife Acrylic, as well as his NiSi filter distribution, so for now, he can be found on Instagram as Sentinel Photography.

 

 

Check out our other Featured Photographers to read all the nice things they have to say about TruLife Acrylic, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so we can deliver recent blog posts, along with any TruLife product and program updates, right to your inbox.