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Rushing Headlong

© Stephen Shoff

Rushing Headlong

Uploaded: January 12, 2013

Description

f/9.0, 1/1000 sec, ISO 800 ; EF 300mm f/4 IS

Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, CA


Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/800 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 800, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 300.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Stephen Shoff January 13, 2013

I haven't been posting or commenting much lately, but I've gotten out of town for a weekend trip to Monterey, CA. I didn't have any particular goals for this trip so was kind of at "loose ends".

Bright, high contrast, cloudless days have very little going for them photographically. But one thing they are good for...fast shutter speeds. A perfect combination for Dale's challenge this month.

I've worked these up on my laptop and the high contrast was very challenging for both me and my camera so I don't really know how these will come across on large monitors. Most of them are also very highly cropped. #1508626

Stephen Shoff January 13, 2013

Several others... #10512532

Stephen Shoff January 13, 2013

Several others... #10512534

Stephen Shoff January 13, 2013

Didn't plan this well...adding the photos 1 at a time. #10512536

Stephen Shoff January 13, 2013

And finally...something for you macro enthusiasts... #10512539

Rita K. Connell level-classic January 13, 2013

Stephen you are always missed, and as for these wonderful images they are all very interesting with your pov on them.
"rushing headlong" is my favorite and going in my favorites. I can just feel the anticipation of this wave, very nicely captured.

Black Oystercatcher is my second favorite your lighting for this was very difficult indeed. but a job well done love the drop of water

Great job! #10512974

Debbie E. Payne January 13, 2013

Good to see you and your work again, Stephen. Oh my...this first one is gorgeous. Puts all of us right there. I have a fascination with moving water but other than boogie boarding, never had the desire to get up on the waves. GREAT shot for the challenge. #10513511

Jeff E Jensen January 13, 2013

I really like the first image, Stephen. Can almost here the surf crashing. #10513779

Beth Spencer January 13, 2013

Glad to see you posting again. I was wondering about you and where you had gone.
I love the very first picture. Great shot for the challenge and I really love the POV!! I like the bee picture the second best. Really caught him in great motion with awesome focus.
I went to Monterey and Mt. Carmel with my sister a couple years ago. There are so many beautiful things there. I really enjoyed the mission. #10513938

Dale Hardin January 13, 2013

So good to hear from you again Stephen. We missed you. That first shot is a killer. Love it. Very effective crop. Second is the beautifully detailed macro. Excellent. #10513975

Debbra Bailey January 15, 2013

Great wave image! Love the repetition of the white caps :) #10516473

Peter W. Marks January 15, 2013

That first image is the one that few of us get to emulate. Excellant friend.(And to think you did that while standing on a surf board Stephen :0) #10516777

Kristin Duff January 15, 2013

Because enquiring minds need to know...how did you get that shot?...the first one of that huge wave? #10516942

Stephen Shoff January 15, 2013

I'm glad you enjoyed these.

Kristen (and Peter) -- I took this picture with my feet planted firmly in the sand. You can "google" Asilomar beach to get pictures of the shoreline to see the numerous rock outcroppings and small beaches that let you get down to the level of the water so that you are looking across the face of the breakers. I didn't happen to keep any broader scenic shots from this weekend. I was also using a long lens to get the frame-filling POV and compression.

To get this image, I spent about half an hour and took over 50 exposures. I picked this particular image because of the multiple sprays (repeating elements) and because it was the only one that had those great reflections in it.

There was some pre-visualization in play here...in prior visits, and in watching some surf the evening before, I was aware of the potential for the seafoam green in the water. I also knew that I wanted to meet the needs of the challenge I needed a strong sense of action. So as I watched the rollers breaking, I became aware of the sprays blowing backwards and that they were enhancing the sense of motion. Then it just became an exercise in trying to time a shot to capture the breaking rollers.

In the interest of full disclosure...I did shift the water color significantly towards the green in post processing. How I don't know since I couldn't duplicate it when I got home to reduce the effect and try to correct the sky. But here is a reworked version with, I think, better sky in it. #10517193

Dale Hardin January 15, 2013

I like the reworked version best Stephen. And it certainly filled the bill for the challenge. #10517244

Peter W. Marks January 16, 2013

Stephen, thank you for your explanation of how you captured this image and now may I say "'It has been revealed to me why my shots never get universal acclaim!" Wow! "50 shots and half an hour!" So I am making a New Years Resolution 'If it's a static subject look at it and shoot from all angles; get down on my knees and try a low angle; stand on something and get a high angle; and if all else fails just tilt the camera by 45 degrees and get a Jeff Tilt!
Dale, would you care to elaborate on why you prefer Stephen's second version of the waves? I like both versions equally but I react very differently to each one. The original, photo-realistic one takes me back to the oceans which I love. OK, the green was not as-shot but it works really well and overall the image speaks to me. I can hear the waves, smell the salt and ozone and although this is CA it makes me just a little home-sick for Cornwall.
The reworked version, which as I said, I like equally, reminds me of impressionistic oil paintings and has my mind wandering over the many galleries I have visited over the years; admiring seascapes by famous and not-so-famous artists.
Thanks Stephen #10517574

Kristin Duff January 16, 2013

Stephen, I watch the waves in Maui every week. I visit the art galleries and see photos and paintings of waves. Your wave is one of the best I have seen-love it and thank you for the explanation! #10517851

Dale Hardin January 16, 2013

Peter, the reason I prefer the 2nd version is because to me,as a Californian, it looks more realistic. The blue sky, the brighter reflection, and the brilliant colors.

The other may have been closer to reality (can't say 'cause I wasn't there) because of the time it was shot, but when comparison to the remake, it appears dull. Without seeing a remake, I was perfectly happy with it as it was. #10518061

Beth Spencer January 16, 2013

Stephen, thanks for the explanation. I like them both but I still like the first one best and don't quite know why.
Peter just be very careful if you get down on your knees make sure you can get back up and whatever you do don't fall ! #10518475

Peter W. Marks January 17, 2013

Beth, you are a bad, bad girl! Were you peeping when I struggled back up of my knees this morning? And to think I was praying for you! He shakes his head sadly, lol #10519711

Beth Spencer January 17, 2013

Peter I just know that it is not as easy for me to get back up as it used to be... #10520008

lisa anderson January 20, 2013

Stephen, I think the first Rushing Headlong is perfect. Absolutely perfect. I agree with Peter that the first one makes me actually smell the ocean; not many photos can do that (Peter, I'm looking forward to you posting a 50-shot series, ending with the 'Jeff Tilt' shot) #10524026

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