I went out to California over the easter weekend for a quick 4 day trip. The conditions were challenging with zero clouds for about 90% of the time, but that's how it goes sometimes. Here's a shot of McWay Falls on the Big Sur coast. I know it's an "icon" (not that I care about that) but I went for a different feel with a long exposure. I'm calling this one "Dreamstate". D800, 24-70@F20, ISO 100,2 Cokin Xpro ND4s, 20 second exposure. CC welcome. Thanks, Josh
What a beautiful, almost Edenic scene!
Iconic or not, I would love to have been there with you to photograph this spot.
I like what the long exposure achieved with the breakers in the pool.
Perhaps just a touch more contrast in the ocean background? And what is that speck out there?
This would make a real fine print.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 15, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Icon or not, it's one of the most alluring places in the lower 48. I dream of getting a shot of it myself someday.
And, ditto on Todd! How's that D800 working out?? I've been a Canon man all my life, but that camera has me drooling.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 16, 2012 at 10:46 AM
This is a tough place to shoot. I've shot from the overlook but would love to get down to the beach someday. I like the long exposure.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 16, 2012 at 12:41 PM
I really like the comp on this and the colors are beautiful.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 16, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Great use of a long exposure. Looks like you figured out how to use your new toy.
You might consider a more panoramic composition by cropping from the top and eliminating some of the bright ocean in the upper right.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 16, 2012 at 9:05 PM
I like how the longer exposure put some softness in the water of this image. The rock, and waves around it, in the ocean behind the cove definitely catches my eye.
Thanks everyone for the feedback and kind words. I'll tinker with some of the suggestions when I get home, in Steamboat for work this week.
P.S. Really enjoying the D800, it has actually exceeded my expectations in some regards. As you can imagine, resolution is through the moon. Im also very impressed with its shadow detail. My D300 would also show some noise, even at base ISO, if I under exposed or in some low light situations, particularly in a dark blue sky. None of that with the 800, the files are very clean. So far so good.
The colors are wonderful and the image is clear and peaceful. I could see a small crop off the top, but not too much. The cut off tree on the right side of the island bugs me a little bit. I am not sure what you could do about that though other than try to clone it out. Definitely one of the better images I've seen from this location.
Posted by Ryan Wright on April 24, 2012 at 12:55 PM
I agree with Michael that this is one of the better photos I've seen of this location too. Great processing to give it the "soft" feel. Lovely exposure!
Discussion
12 repliesIconic or not, I would love to have been there with you to photograph this spot.
I like what the long exposure achieved with the breakers in the pool.
Perhaps just a touch more contrast in the ocean background? And what is that speck out there?
This would make a real fine print.
And, ditto on Todd! How's that D800 working out?? I've been a Canon man all my life, but that camera has me drooling.
You might consider a more panoramic composition by cropping from the top and eliminating some of the bright ocean in the upper right.
P.S. Really enjoying the D800, it has actually exceeded my expectations in some regards. As you can imagine, resolution is through the moon. Im also very impressed with its shadow detail. My D300 would also show some noise, even at base ISO, if I under exposed or in some low light situations, particularly in a dark blue sky. None of that with the 800, the files are very clean. So far so good.