Dam Pirk at dusk

Interesting facts about the long-term exposure of the Pirk dam at dusk with a kerosene lamp

A picture of the Pirk dam, which had it all. After my arrival, I set up the equipment and took some long exposures. With a Haida ND-1000 filter and a relatively closed aperture, I was able to get the exposure time to a good level. I am simply endlessly enthusiastic about this Haida 100 mm system. Installation is quick, the polarizing filter is screwed directly in front of the lens and the filter discs are inserted in front of it.

I teased out the clouds over the water a bit more with a polarization filter and with exposure times of over 3 minutes you could see the clouds moving in the pictures.

As it started to get dark, I turned on the Storm Lamp and placed it in the correct area of the image. I also got the camera ready and changed the ND-1000 filter for an ND-8 filter. Unfortunately, with a focal length of 24 mm and an aperture of 16, I couldn't get the foreground and background in focus at the same time. That meant I definitely had to take 2 pictures and assemble them. The time in which the light was still sufficient and the glow of the lantern was clearly visible was just 10 minutes.

The Pirk Dam, also known as Pirk-Stausee, is an impressive water reservoir in the Vogtland region of Saxony, Germany. The history of the dam dates back to the 1950s when it was built to manage water resources and generate energy.

The history of the Pirk Dam on the White Elster

The history of the Pirk dam goes back to the middle of the 20th century. The construction of the dam began in 1956 and was completed in 1964. It is located near the town of Plauen in the Vogtland district of Saxony, Germany.

The main goal in constructing the Pirk dam was to secure the drinking water supply and to regulate the water balance in the region. The construction of the dam ensured an adequate supply of drinking water, especially in the dry summer months.

The Pirk dam was built on the Weißen Elster, a river that flows through Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. With a height of 53 meters and a length of 460 meters, it is an imposing structure. The dammed water forms the Pirk Reservoir, which covers an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers.

The tourist importance of the Pirk dam and the surrounding banks and forests as a place to relax

The Pirk dam is not only an important part of the infrastructure, but is also of significant tourist importance. The picturesque surroundings and the wide range of leisure activities attract numerous visitors every year. The surrounding forests and hills provide a beautiful backdrop for hikes, bike rides and picnics. The lake also offers activities such as fishing, boating and water sports.

The Pirk dam is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The surrounding banks and forests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Especially in spring and autumn there are fascinating opportunities to observe the migratory birds on their way.

The Pirk dam is also a popular destination for families. There is a beach area that is great for relaxing and sunbathing on warm summer days. Children can splash about in the shallow water and build sand castles. There are also playgrounds and barbecue facilities that ensure a pleasant leisure experience.

In addition, the Pirk dam also offers gastronomic facilities and accommodation in the immediate vicinity. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy regional specialties in restaurants or to stay in comfortable guesthouses and holiday apartments.

The Pirk dam is therefore not only a technical structure, but also a place for relaxation, experiencing nature and leisure activities. It combines the beauty of nature with the practical functions of a dam and offers visitors of all ages a varied range.

Whether you want to spend a relaxing day at the beach, explore nature or just take in the scenic atmosphere, Pirk Dam is a worthwhile destination that appeals to both relaxation seekers and nature lovers alike.

Landscape photography in the twilight phase

Twilight landscape photography offers a unique atmosphere and can produce stunning results. It is a time when the light is slowly changing and a magical mood is created. Here are some tips you can keep in mind to capture stunning twilight shots:

Planning is key: plan ahead of time what landscape you want to photograph and research the best location. Consider the sunset or sunrise to choose the right timing.
Use a tripod: Since the light is less intense at dusk, it's important to use a sturdy tripod to avoid camera shake. This allows you to use longer exposure times.
Adjust exposure: At dusk, the light is often high-contrast. Make sure you adjust the exposure accordingly to properly capture both the light and dark areas of the landscape. Experiment with different exposure settings and check the histogram regularly.
Use long exposures: A popular technique for landscape photography at twilight is to use long exposures. This allows flowing water or cloud movements to be captured. Use an ND filter to increase the exposure time.
Include Foreground: Use twilight to include interesting foreground elements. For example, trees, rocks, or other structures can add depth and dimension to the landscape.
Emphasize colors and contrasts: Twilight often offers a palette of warm colors and soft contrasts. Try to emphasize these elements in your shots by choosing the right white balance setting and adjusting the contrast in post-processing if necessary.
Have patience: Photographing at dusk requires patience as the light changes quickly. Stay in one place and watch the changes. The best shots are often obtained when you observe the scene over a longer period of time and wait for the right moment.

Remember that taking pictures at dusk takes some practice. Experiment with different settings and techniques to develop your own style. Be creative and have fun capturing the magical mood that twilight offers.

Author: Markus Götz
Publisher: septem sensu

Dam Pirk at dusk

Interesting facts about the long-term exposure of the Pirk dam at dusk with a kerosene lamp

The history of the Pirk Dam on the White Elster

The tourist importance of the Pirk dam and the surrounding banks and forests as a place to relax

Landscape photography in the twilight phase

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