Ruby's Last Light

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 26, 2014290 views20 comments

I'm sitting at home recovering from several days of the stomach flu. My energy levels aren't enough to get out into the mountains and so I'm digging through my archives and finding old files to process. Since I'm preparing to head back to the the PNW for a week, I figured I'd have a look at some of my older beach images to help me prepare.

This is Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park during a sunset in October 2011. I'd never paid any attention to the image before and I think I kind of like it. I've had to do quite a bit more processing than I would normally do on an image to bring out the shadows and highlights. I'd love your input on the shot, particularly in regards to how I did with the processing. I want to keep it feeling as real as possible, but I also would like for it to have an emotional impact. What are your thoughts?

Ugh! I just saw the dust spots.

Please try to ignore them.

Comments

20 comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on April 26, 2014 at 4:06 PM

I like this a lot, Erik. The processing looks spot on with just the right amount of detail in the shadows and yet nice contrast throughout. The warm / cool contrast in the sky really gives this nice emotional impact.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on April 26, 2014 at 5:18 PM

Well crafted image Erik. Love the light and water action!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on April 26, 2014 at 6:20 PM

This looks terrific, Erik! 'Development' is pitch perfect to my eye. Love how the skies lighten up around the monolith...almost like a natural vignette. And the grasses on top are a nice touch. The water rushing through the gap is wonderful, too.
You might consider cloning out the specks of guano (?) on the rock, esp. that bright one near the center.
Hope you have luck and light this good on your next trip!
BTW, the 'Purchase Print' link is broken.

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

Comment posted by Erik Stensland on April 26, 2014 at 6:34 PM

Good spot John! Thank you!

Registered on September 27, 2004, 121 Posts, 718 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on April 26, 2014 at 7:08 PM

What a beauty. I love the shiny "sealskin" appearance of the water on the beach. I also like how the colorful sunset is just a backdrop of the natural beauty of the seashore and stack.

I hope you are all better.

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

Comment posted by Michael Cothran on April 26, 2014 at 10:39 PM

Eric - this is a nice image, and well processed. Whether it is "real" or not is unimportant, as far as I'm concerned, but I think I know the thought you're trying to convey. I choose to use the term "believable" rather that "real." And in that context, you have succeeded in your processing, as my eyes see this as quite believable (and quite beautiful).

Registered on December 5, 2012, 31 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on April 26, 2014 at 10:54 PM

Everything works about it! Great shot.

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

Comment posted by Carey Closs on April 27, 2014 at 6:53 AM

Great color and details and the long exposure creates a very peaceful scene.

Registered on April 15, 2012, 107 Posts, 326 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Henke on April 27, 2014 at 11:21 AM

Really nice composition, Eric. As mentioned the sea flowing through the rocks makes this image stand out for me.
For a few minor improvements, I wonder if you could bring out the light on the rocks a tad more. Also, before hitting print, you should try to remove the haloing on the right side of the large rock.

Registered on February 20, 2012, 117 Posts, 285 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on April 27, 2014 at 11:22 AM

I think you've achieved a wonderful balance between the highlights and the shadows on this one. I like the fact that you have some true dark tone in the foreground rocks, and it looks very natural. The sky also looks nice and natural. No suggestions from me. Looks great!

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on April 27, 2014 at 1:56 PM

Well seen and composed, very natural appearing processing.

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on April 27, 2014 at 3:00 PM

This looks great, Erik. It has a nice gentle feel due to the sunset colors and there's a fine sense of flow in the water from the streaks through the rocks.. I'd say just enough detail in the rocks to keep them interesting. Looks real to me.

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

Comment posted by Sairam Sundaresan on April 27, 2014 at 3:10 PM

Hope you get well soon Erik. This shot is fabulous! The light, composition and processing are spot on!

Registered on March 14, 2013, 100 Posts, 643 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on April 27, 2014 at 10:43 PM

Everything looks spot on to me, Eric. A very natural looking rendition IMO. My only suggestion would be to clone out those bird droppings?

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on April 28, 2014 at 5:46 PM

I like this a lot Erik. The small cascade in the center adds so much, and there is a lot of power in the rocks. I think it is fine as is, just needs to be viewed with a darker background (large version). Hope you have a great trip here in our neck of the woods!

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Erik Stensland on April 28, 2014 at 8:09 PM

Thanks everyone for all of your kind comments and suggestions for improvement. I really appreciate it!

Registered on September 27, 2004, 121 Posts, 718 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Prower on April 30, 2014 at 9:52 AM

Beautifully done, nice colours and composition.

Registered on February 5, 2012, 24 Posts, 167 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on April 30, 2014 at 3:15 PM

This is a stunner Erik. Great light, wonderful colors, and a really nice comp as well. The flow through the rocks just finishes it off nicely. Super job.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on May 3, 2014 at 6:44 PM

I like this too, Erik--great mood!
Top of the rock looks a little dark compared to the bottom portion; otherwise pp looks good to me.

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on May 4, 2014 at 12:46 AM

Fabulous image Erik. Love the water motion around the rock and that gorgeous sky. Harmonious composition.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments