Posted by Marc Adamus on March 13, 2006 at 10:59 AM
I had visited this spot a year ago at low tide to watch the waves crash in the sunset light against these massive rock cliffs on Oregon's coast. Wanting to try the capture digitally as well, I went out again last night, knowing the tide would be low enough to allow me this perspective on the crashing surf. The waves were huge, exploding 50 feet or more into the air with thunderous booms echoing down the chain of rocks. I don't recommend standing here to capture this, I'm done with this spot now after a few too many close calls! It's probably the most dangerous shot I've taken. This was one of my last of about 500 shots taken this evening, as the last light of sunset disappeared, illuminating the water in a soft, pink glow. I pulled a soft grad down barely onto the top of the frame to darken the evening sky and burned it further in PS. Other PS work was minor and included selective color levels and saturation, though the waves are pretty much untouched. I shot the image at 1/4 of a second to show motion, F14, ISO 150.
I'm loving the wave action in this!!! Great light and GREAT timing on the exposure!!
What isn't working for me is the composition. Everything is rather centered and there isn't any real play on composition at all.
Marc you are clearly onto something fabulous here! Keep working this theme and the magic will happen!!
Posted by Marc Adamus on March 13, 2006 at 1:06 PM
The magic happened already. Arguably the best shot of my life (or at least my most popular) came from this very spot. I've included it for comparison, and to illustrate John's point about visual separation of the elements. It was captured on Velvia, which absolutely blows away the 5D for color rendition. The composition can't be chosen here. There is only one spot to catch the action and this is it. The composition is very much dependent on the wave action at any particular moment, and of course some clouds wouldn't have hurt either. I really don't have the courage to try this shot again. There is no spot on the Oregon coast where I have been so threatened by huge waves. Something bad will happen to me or my gear if I spend too much time out here!
I'd say it's pretty cool, although I wish for more contrast in the water. I know soft is what you were going for here, and that works. It's a different mood, and I'm not in it right now, but tomorrow I might...understand?
Posted by Marc Adamus on March 13, 2006 at 1:17 PM
I think you're onto something with "more contrast in the water" Rick. Thanks. Don't be surprised to see a re-work on the main forums or my website sometime.
Posted by John Lehmkuhl on March 13, 2006 at 1:34 PM
WOW... that velvia shot really has a lot going for it - that light hitting the rocks really adds depth - no to mention better definition of the spray/rocks. It looks like you got soaked taking these - I guess this would be where the full padded "The Protector" surf suit would be required
I'm sure that the adrenals were pumping when you were taking these.... the photos show it. Interesting what you mentioned about colors between the 5D and velvia.
Marc,
I think your original shot from this area is definatly magic. The reason I wasn't stunned by the shot you posted from this weekend is because of this shot. IMHO, if I were you, I would take what you have from this spot and never go back.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on March 13, 2006 at 4:51 PM
Had I never seen your original shot from here, i'd be pretty excited about this photo.
Posted by Marc Adamus on March 13, 2006 at 5:09 PM
It goes to show you can't often re-create an image and how we should all realize just how unique every single moment in time really is. I can't even tell you how many times I have returned to an area trying to re-capture a very specific image. Rarely, if ever does it happen the way I planned it. Even though I took 500 shots this evening, from exactly the same spot, at the same tide, under clear skies in the same light there was simply nothing that came close to comparing with the first image.
Posted by Harald Rust on March 13, 2006 at 7:32 PM
Very true. Guess that's the magic about photography. I also feel more drawn to the original velvia image, partially because the landscape is more visible, and the light is just incredible.
Harald
Posted by Tomas Kaspar on March 13, 2006 at 10:22 PM
Yeah I can see way is that shot your most popular. Both are great photographs.
Posted by Mark Windom on March 14, 2006 at 4:56 PM
Velvia wins hands down....gotta love film....a terrific image. 500 shots over what I take to be a relatively short period of time?? Your finger must have had the cable release engaged the entire time you were there. I would hate to have to sit in front of a computer long enuf to evaluate each one.
Discussion
14 repliesI had visited this spot a year ago at low tide to watch the waves crash in the sunset light against these massive rock cliffs on Oregon's coast. Wanting to try the capture digitally as well, I went out again last night, knowing the tide would be low enough to allow me this perspective on the crashing surf. The waves were huge, exploding 50 feet or more into the air with thunderous booms echoing down the chain of rocks. I don't recommend standing here to capture this, I'm done with this spot now after a few too many close calls! It's probably the most dangerous shot I've taken. This was one of my last of about 500 shots taken this evening, as the last light of sunset disappeared, illuminating the water in a soft, pink glow. I pulled a soft grad down barely onto the top of the frame to darken the evening sky and burned it further in PS. Other PS work was minor and included selective color levels and saturation, though the waves are pretty much untouched. I shot the image at 1/4 of a second to show motion, F14, ISO 150.
What isn't working for me is the composition. Everything is rather centered and there isn't any real play on composition at all.
Marc you are clearly onto something fabulous here! Keep working this theme and the magic will happen!!
I'm sure that the adrenals were pumping when you were taking these.... the photos show it. Interesting what you mentioned about colors between the 5D and velvia.
I think your original shot from this area is definatly magic. The reason I wasn't stunned by the shot you posted from this weekend is because of this shot. IMHO, if I were you, I would take what you have from this spot and never go back.
Harald