Tombstone Rock+(repost)

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 21, 2011710 views45 comments

Due to the close proximity of the Big Sur coast to where I live, it is one of my "go-to" local destinations. Since it is so widely photographed, I have really been making attempts to get some different shots from this area and have been enduring some of the most challenging shoots I've yet to experience.

On this particular day, there was a high-surf warning issued, but the tide was only about 1'+. I had shot this comp a couple days prior for an even moodier sunset, but really wanted to come back hoping that the sun would break the clouds and strike this pinnacle. I was attracted to the violent waves that swirl around in this surge-channel, but wanted a fairly high surge to get the water retreating from the rocks. Shortly after taking this shot, a surge came in and took my photobag (it was about another 10' higher than me on the rock behind me in a "safe" spot I had left it), and pulled it back into the ocean. I sat and watched as my backpack got thrown around in this channel from wave to wave, and rock to rock which felt like a lifetime. Eventually, lenses came flying out, filters, gps unit, basically EVERYTHING but my camera, my tripod, and the one filter I had in my pocket were lost to the bottom of the ocean...

I always respect the ocean and basically prepare for battle when I go and shoot in these conditions, preparing for the absolute worst including rogue waves. I study the ocean each time before I dare go near to try and get the pattern down, and even then, always keep an eye on the sea. Even after being "prepared," a freak accident like this can happen and thinking about how close this came to me still makes me shake just writing about it.

A lot of us out there wanting to push the envelope take many "calculated risks" to get the goods. I will keep pushing as well, but just another friendly reminder to be careful, respect the power of mother nature, and LIVE life to the fullest...

Any C&C welcome here-Are you bothered by the color & Sat? (I actually desaturated the water a bit)...

Tech Notes:
5dmk2
5 shot handblend

Comments

45 comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on February 21, 2011 at 4:52 PM

Wow, sorry to hear about the lost of your equipment! That's enough to make you cry!

As for the image, very dramatic. I think the comp is perfect and the light on the rocks looks great too. The clouds add a lot to this image, basically the drama. The water color doesn't look "right" though, at least to me. Granted, I've never been there, so it may be accurate, but it looks like it has too much cyan. Shutter speed looks great though for the water motion.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 21, 2011 at 5:05 PM

Sorry to hear about the loss of your equipment but you're ok and that's the important thing. This is a very dramatic image Jared. Love just about everything about this but I was wondering what the very small object is near the horizon at the extreme left side of Tombstone Rock? It looks man made in the larger version but I can't quite make it out. Nonetheless this is an awesome image.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on February 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM

I have to agree, this is very dramatic! I love the dark sky and beautiful warm light on the horizon. The water is heavilt cyan, but it really doesn't bother me, although nuetralizing it some might be better. Nice! Sorry to hear about the gear loss.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on February 21, 2011 at 5:38 PM

Take Chamberlain's advice about editing the water and see how it goes. I think the contrast/edge sharpness between the pinnacle rock and sky can be toned down so it doesn't look so crisp. This could be the web presentation...of course. I do like the drama.

Nice image and I'm so sorry to hear about the gear!

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Harding on February 21, 2011 at 5:48 PM

Your photograph is very dramatic. I like the balance between the sky and foreground and thanks for the reminder to be careful. I have experienced several life threatening encounters during my thirty years of landscape work. Two of these where to do with water. A rogue wave and an unexpected surge of flood water in a gorge.

Registered on January 19, 2011, 33 Posts, 408 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on February 21, 2011 at 6:05 PM

Thanks all, I think I must've just looked at this image for so long I got a little de-sensitized to the cyan water. The water is very turquoise and I want to convey that, but think I can crank it down a notch or two, I'll work on a repost!

Wayne-I noticed that too and zoomed in to pixelation and still can't make it out, but looks like a ship/boat off in the distance to me

Thanks again everyone!

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on February 21, 2011 at 6:26 PM

I'd crank down the cyan water about six or seven notches actually, but overall it's definitely a dramatic shot that conveys the power of the ocean. You are not nearly the only photographer I've met who's lost an entire bag to the sea. In fact, I know one guy that has lost 7 Canon 5D cameras to the ocean or it's effects on equipment! Safe spots are rarely safe unless they are in your vehicle in the parking lot....and maybe not even then if you're in Depot Bay, Oregon. I know exactly how it goes out there and am glad you are safe. I'm also glad you went for it in the face of some monster surf though - that's as exhilarating and difficult as any shooting can possibly get. You're battling so many factors at the same time and thinking in overdrive about your exposures! It's a wonderful experience to look back on, but you absolutely have to keep one eye on the ocean!

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on February 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM

Thanks for the feedback again. Here's a repost that has most of the colors toned down a bit for a completely different mood. This was just a quick rework, but hopefully I'm on the right track?

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Rossbach on February 21, 2011 at 7:32 PM

Very dramatic and the composition and water movement is perfect IMO. I would tone down the cyan in the water and the yellow band on the horizon. These two areas seem a little too saturated and unreal for me. This would also make an exceptional BW. Very nice work Jared!

Registered on November 25, 2005, 484 Posts, 1377 Comments

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on February 21, 2011 at 7:33 PM

Awesome photo Jared. Gotta be careful around those oceans. ;]

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Rossbach on February 21, 2011 at 7:33 PM

# 2 looks way better! Nice processing mate.

Registered on November 25, 2005, 484 Posts, 1377 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on February 21, 2011 at 7:34 PM

Jared,

First of all, I'm very sorry to hear about the equipment loss, but more importantly you didn't end up where your lenses did...

The image is a beautiful and dramatic seascape no doubt. I love the action in the water, but would agree with some slight color work. I'm actually less bothered by the cyan and know that the blue/greens doe exist in the surf like this. It's the whitewater/foamy stuff that probably should be less cyan and more neutral. But what my eye gets drawn to more is the patch of reflected yellow/orange near the left edge. I certainly believe the reflected light and color should be there, but it looks like the sat slider has slipped a little bit too much there.

The only other suggestions I have would be a slight crop off the top not quite to 4x5 format, but perhaps about 1/2 of the blue sky? I think the main focus is the waves.

Also, since I expect this will be quite worthy of a print, you might want to clone whatever that thing is that Wayne mentioned. Looks like a cruise ship or a giant Hotel! ;-) But pretty impossible to distinguish at these sizes.

A great and beautiful image.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Todd Liotine on February 21, 2011 at 7:36 PM

I think the repost nails the color (although a little blue wouldnt hurt). I really like the comp and feeling of the image

Registered on July 1, 2008, 131 Posts, 671 Comments

Comment posted by Ernie Marx on February 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM

I much prefer your second posting. Great dramatic shot. Sounds like you really paid for this one.

Registered on July 14, 2010, 10 Posts, 67 Comments

Comment posted by Barry Vangrov on February 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM

I actually like the 1st one better if I had to choose between them but I think the best is somewhere in between. You took too much out of the re-post and the water especially just looks dull. The 1st is more exciting. I agree that as much as 1/2 the sky could be cropped out to just below the blue patch. Very dramatic image. Tough to loose equipment - have to keep that backpack on your back from now on!

Registered on September 1, 2009, 148 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on February 21, 2011 at 7:54 PM

way better on the repost!!!

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Balcken on February 21, 2011 at 8:31 PM

Awesome shot Jared! The repost nails it for me. You selected the perfect shutter speed IMO. Clone out that mystery object and print it!

Registered on November 29, 2009, 48 Posts, 249 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on February 21, 2011 at 8:32 PM

Sweet shot Jared. Sorry to hear about the gear, but at least you are OK. I think something in between the original and the repost would look best. The original has a bit too much sat, but the repost feels a little flat IMO.

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on February 21, 2011 at 9:06 PM

Oh yeah, the repost looks GREAT!!

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on February 21, 2011 at 9:37 PM

I would like something between both your posts. The second post lacks some of the drama of the first and I like that drama, even though the color is a bit over the top.

Sorry about your gear. I've gotten caught by sneaker waves a few times but only ended up with wet gear.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 21, 2011 at 9:50 PM

Only the repost came up on my screen (NPN very slow this evening), but it looks biblical in it's drama. Sorry to hear about the loss of equipment, but I can see why you didn't go after it.

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

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on February 21, 2011 at 9:58 PM

Yeah, that's it. This is really an awesome seascape! I might put some of the yellows back into the area above the horizon, but that's it. The water looks right on to me now.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 21, 2011 at 10:04 PM

Jared,

First, as I told you earlier when we talked, the important thing is you made it out of there without being hurt or worst. Gear can always be replaced, as much as it sucks.

Second... I hate you!!! This shot is out of control sweet man. Such an intense stormy scene and you captured it so well. As far as the posts go, I like #2 quite a bit myself. You can put a bit of blue back in, but not too much. I think it just looks much more natural than before. The rest looks excellent to me. Comp and processing are awesome man. Well done!

Registered on September 1, 2009, 41 Posts, 608 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on February 21, 2011 at 10:10 PM

Are you sure this is not a painting!???

I think it is a great shot, but would like to see some of the color tamed a bit.

Love the second version!

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on February 21, 2011 at 11:08 PM

Very dramatic. About the color. I hesitate to offer an opinion given the opinion of others a lot more skilled than me in post processing, but the first version is more dramatic and shows better light. I'd try to tone down the cyan, as it looks a little unrealistic, or maybe even just darken it as it looks too light, and maybe reduce the purple in the sky, but I'd certainly try to keep the dramatic light in the sky and on the rock exhibited in the first. This certainly has the elements of a fabulous image, although the cost is certainly unfortunate.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on February 21, 2011 at 11:08 PM

What wonderful drama! The repost does look better to me, though I did like have some blue and aqua in the water. You might be able to get away with the blues if you pull back on the yellows more.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on February 21, 2011 at 11:28 PM

I'll take just a tad more blue and perhaps contrast in the water based on the second repost. Again, excellent work.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Diggins on February 21, 2011 at 11:31 PM

Wow killer shot! Keep it up

Registered on May 8, 2010, 4 Posts, 83 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Buck on February 22, 2011 at 12:34 AM

I think something between the original and the repost would work for me Jared. I love the feeling of power from the water, and I love the drama in the sky.

So sorry to hear about the gear.

Nathan

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1101 Posts, 13589 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Hespenheide on February 22, 2011 at 2:03 AM

Jared, I prefer the second interpretation of the colors. Strong, but not nuclear. A worthy shot. I might push the contrast in the water back up just a bit, and add some blue in the shadows. Even with the amazing sunset, I'm used to seeing more blues on the back sides. Specifically, the whites in the foreground could use a bit more brightness to help compete with the drama in the sky.

I'm deeply impressed, though.

Registered on August 14, 2010, 3 Posts, 61 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 22, 2011 at 3:26 AM

What a story and what a shot. I like the colors in the repost much better. Your conception and execution are exemplary.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on February 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM

I love the composition, especially the texture in the water. The light at the time this photograph was made must have been gorgeous, which makes me wonder why did you find it necessary to exaggerate things so much in this presentation. In its present form, with the intensely dark sky and brightly lit foreground, the whole thing appears really odd. I am surprised no one else has commented on this.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Stefan Gimpl on February 22, 2011 at 11:40 AM

To me also somewhere between repost and the original would look best. I really like the water movement and the light on the pinnacle. great image

Registered on May 12, 2007, 26 Posts, 184 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on February 22, 2011 at 12:18 PM

Thanks again everyone. I agree that the repost isn't quite what I was going for, and will do something a little between the two, but leaning much more toward the repost.

Anil-are you referring to the original or the repost? You are correct in that the light was incredible. This large very dark cloud you see formed quickly just west of my vantage (I was facing north) and as it blew east over where I was. I thought I would get no light due to it being so thick and black, but it began to break apart just as the sun was setting. This shot has the sun peaking under the underside of the cloud, but the intense yellow in the background is rain and water vapor being side lit by the sun, so it was really pretty intense in person. I also wanted a point where the wave crests would pick up some warm highlights, and although I got a small dose of it here, the light was actually much more intense and even better about 10 minutes after this but way too sketchy to get down to this vantage point to shoot (I tried and began slipping on the now wet rock into the ocean, so turned back). Right after the sun set, this cloud opened up and rained on me all the way back to the car. I'll take a look and see if lightening the upper most clouds helps in the rework-thanks for your comments.

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on February 22, 2011 at 12:39 PM

I prefer the second post, although I think you could get away with adding a touch more blue back into the water.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Pam Colander on February 22, 2011 at 1:27 PM

Bummer about your stuff! The second version is MUCH better. Great comp here.

Registered on December 7, 2006, 210 Posts, 1062 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 22, 2011 at 6:16 PM

That is a photographer's horror story about your backpack and gear! I don't know if I could recover from that. Great shot with an excellent comp. The first one could be a strong artistic statement, with just the bright reflection in the water worked on as Lon suggested. The repost is more natural, but I would prefer something closer to the first. Just my taste for sure however. Exceptional work, Jared!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on February 22, 2011 at 7:26 PM

You certainly have found a nice niche for yourself there, amigo. This is absolutely mesmerizing! In fact, I can almost feel the wind in my hair.
As you noted, somewhere between the two would be perfect, IMO. I could not disagree with Anil more. That light looks quite natural to my eye. In fact, your processing of this image is exemplary! Your work in that regard has improved exponentially sine just a few months ago.
I see an Editor's Weekly Pick here, if someone doesn't come along and post another aurora shot!

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Nevesely on February 22, 2011 at 10:49 PM

Amazing, amazing shot! I love the light on the rock and the drama in both the sky and the water. Sorry that you lost your gear though!

Registered on June 14, 2005, 147 Posts, 1550 Comments

Comment posted by Greg Lessard on February 23, 2011 at 12:20 AM

Fantastic shot! Sorry to hear about the equipment. I prefer the first over the second image. The colors are very stimulating in the first. Even if they are not realistic, they look phenomenal. Its a pain, but I often leave my pack on in situations like the one you were in. Although, that could be real trouble if you end up in the drink!
Great shot!

Registered on January 14, 2009, 38 Posts, 219 Comments

Comment posted by Andrius Pašukonis on February 23, 2011 at 1:43 AM

That's a WOW shot! I prefer your second post. That blue sky spot is just perfect there!
Sorry to hear about your gear.. It is definitely a good reminder for all of us shooting out in the elements.

Registered on July 23, 2005, 111 Posts, 408 Comments

Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on February 23, 2011 at 4:09 PM

Hey Jared,
While I agree that the OP may be too cyan for some tastes.......this freakin' rocks!!! Sorry about your gear but I love the colors and dram of the op....just perhap a tweaks on the whites! Awesome and well worth the sacrifice!!!

Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on February 23, 2011 at 6:24 PM

I agree 100% with all the superlatives regarding the drama and light in this image. Simply stunning. I'd definitely go with the second version to keep this in the "realistic" realm and I wonder if you can add back some of the light on the triangular fin of rock, which appears to be missing in the repost. Wonderful processing, great job.

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

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on February 24, 2011 at 9:16 AM

Jared,
This has the tempest and dramatic color in the broody skies and tossing sea that holds my eye to the action. Well done, but sorry to hear of your gear loss. I prefer the first to the repost, as the repost seems too flat and has lost its drama. In this case, I feel the saturation and cyan enhance the image (I am ususally conservative and not akin to overboard saturation). The cyan gives the water a colder look to me, similar to the color of glacial ice. Perhaps a tweener version with the whites of the waves popped would be the answer, as many have said. The water's horizon shows a slight CW tilt to me.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on February 25, 2011 at 9:27 AM

This looks super Jared. I prefer the original upload, I think it has more impact with the higher saturation.

Sorry to hear about you losing some of your gear.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments