Waves and Sun Beams

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 20, 2010173 views9 comments

This is a picture I've been visualizing for some time now: a wave breaking over this rock with sun beams in the background mirroring the shape of the breaking wave. Looking back on it I should have photographed this a little less wide angle to give the sun beams more size in the frame. Two images combined in PS. One for the wave at about 1/10 and one for the sky at about 1/50 to try to keep some detail in the beams of light (major curves adjustment to the sky to make the darks lighter so the sky appears more realistic).

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on May 21, 2010 at 12:12 AM

The dynamic capture of the foreground goes well with the dramatic sun beams. Nice work William.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on May 21, 2010 at 12:47 AM

There are some really neat repeating ideas in the central portion of the photo that seem like they should be obvious, but I still think they're getting lost for some reason. I would say a crop in from both sides could be very beneficial (5x4 Horizontal). The colors too are understated, but they grow on you, and that's a good thing.

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on May 21, 2010 at 2:46 AM

You definitely ended up with a very realistic shot. Your shutter choice for the water is excellent. I like the stray splatters of water flying through the air. Great job!

Registered on August 27, 2009, 51 Posts, 959 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Plant on May 21, 2010 at 8:00 AM

very well composed, good choice to put the sun and the wave in the center, nicely done!

Registered on July 7, 2008, 271 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on May 21, 2010 at 11:37 AM

Very nice, this one grows on me the more I look at it. You nailed the shutter speed and the sun's rays are very complimentary to the FG. It's nice to see a water's edge image that doesn't rely on a wild sunset.

Registered on July 1, 2006, 60 Posts, 1233 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on May 21, 2010 at 11:58 AM

Good visualizing, the wave in front brings me into the image and up to the sunset, wonderful job on this, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on May 21, 2010 at 2:01 PM

I like the repeating lines of wave and sun. I would try to pull out a little in those 2 dark spots and maybe hit it with a touch of saturation.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on May 21, 2010 at 9:34 PM

It feels like the water is about to pour out of the frame. Agree that the sunbeams are a bit small, but the clouds make for a great sky too.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Burdick on May 27, 2010 at 5:25 PM

Great shot William! I could see a tad more saturation and contrast in the clouds / sunbeams. I got a similar shot awhile back in La Jolla. You've really captured the wave at the perfect moment.

Registered on May 1, 2009, 31 Posts, 197 Comments