Seascape WA Trials - Summary and conclusions

[Stagecoach]

As some may have seen I recently undertook some trials with my rarely used Sigma 10-20mm at a seascape location early morning. These trials consisted of firstly viewing the area during the day to assess its potential, some planning and then being onsite and ready before any light emerged.

A couple of the results I have posted already, the remaining ones have now been completed and anything that was questionable scrapped.

One of the things I like to do is to try and learn from these trials and projects I set myself with the aim of increasing my knowledge of how my equipment performs, achievable results, problems encountered and surroundings which will hopefully make me more prepared for photographic opportunities in the future.

So having sat down and looked at the five images produced, studied the shooting data, investigated problems and gone through another learning curve to PP them feel it will be beneficial to share my findings for those that may find them helpful.

SHOOTING TIMELINE
We often read about the best time to shoot at sunrise/sunset and in this location the first and last image below coincide with what I would consider the timeframe I had available to take advantage of the light. Sunrise was at 06:38 and my shooting duration was 23 minutes. The change in light over that short time is quite surprising.

FILTER PROBLEMS
I use a Cokin P standard filter holder that will take two filters for which anything below 14mm (13mm with lens protection filter removed) the edges will show in frame. I mention this as it’s something to consider when buying a filter system, I bought this kit well before the WA. Consequences to these images are that where I used 10mm FL I cropped (giving approx an equivalent frame width as 14mm would have) which of course loses pixels.

Unfortunately, or in some cases fortunately I forget to adjust my GND to place the transition where I want it. The affect with all my images from this shoot was that I had a brighter prominent close foreground (can’t be seen where images have been cropped at the bottom). If the camera had been at a level that I could have comfortably assessed things through the viewfinder I may have picked this up.

Results from the Cokin GND filter that has been giving me a red cast at the top may be improved when I align things better.

COMPOSITION
Subjective and personal preferences of course but from the images I can clearly see that I could have improved it. All images were taken within approx 20 paces.

LIGHTING GRADIENT
The sun/light was coming from almost 90 degrees to the left and the light intensity difference across the frame is quite significant. I am not sure how this can be tackled in camera in any other way than to expose to protect the lightest areas.

TRIPOD STABILITY
Common sense (mine was lacking) but rubber feet slide on wet salt and growth covered smooth slippery surfaces

POST PROCESSING
I will not go into details other than tackling the sky light intensity difference across frame. Initially I tackled this by cloning/burning the brightest small areas but subsequently have done a test using a levels gradient across frame and simply reducing the white point to achieve a better balance. There may very well be other solutions.

WATER EFFECTS
The full series gives a good idea of the water affects that can be achieved at the various shutter speeds.

No 1 – time 06:24, 15s, f/11, 10mm, focus inf


No 2 – time 06:29, 8s, f/22, 15mm, focus 0.89 mtr


No 3 – time 06:36, 1.3s, f/16, 10mm, focus 0.89 mtr


No 4 – time 06:44, 2s, f/22, 20mm, focus 0.79 mtr


No 5 – time 06:47, 2.5s, f22, 14mm, focus 2 mtr


I hope the information may be of interest to some and if there are any questions please ask. There will of course be those that have already learnt this.

Grahame

[IzzieK]

First of all, thank you for including Mickey Mouse...

OK...time to be serious:

I like the colouring of #1...maybe because I am an early rising person...the hint of orange-yellow-pinkish colours at the left side of the horizon really makes this one for me blending with the blues...

#3 : 6:36 -- 7 minutes and the light changes this much...unbelievable! but I love this shot. The water is seemingly more natural here.

I can sit in front of this ocean and just do nothing but cleanse my soul and my mind from the turmoil and chaos the rest of the day will bring me. All excellent shots Geoff. I am sure the experiments are enjoyable hope you learned from them too as well as we all did.

[Stagecoach]

Hi Izzie,

How could I lose Mickey

I had not put the images up for critique really but here's my thoughts.

No 1 I love because of its simplicity and colour and I know exactly how I will shoot that image again for composition.

With No 3 the swell is more noticeable because of the shorter shutter speed , I have tweaked the colour a bit in this one as well.

No 4 I have 'pushed' a bit to give it some punch, not sure but there are endless options

Yes, you can't beat watching the sea, I spent a career doing it and now I get the chance to enjoy this time of day at the waters edge whenever I wish to, it's great.

Grahame

[bnnrcn]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Grahame

[Brownbear]

Yes, thank you for taking the time to share. Truly appreciated!

[Stagecoach]

Thanks Binnur and Christina, you are welcome.

[Mark von Kanel]

great shoot and info, always good to learn, thanks Grahame

[Shadowman]

Nice series and information.