It's certainly an attractive image, Craig. One thing that distracts this jaded photographer's eye, though, is that the water looks oddly bright in the foreground whitewash area, turning dark where the breakers begin. It's an unnatural-looking transition, and may have crept in from using a grad filter, or in "post". Difficult to get this all looking right with such a high-contrast scene.
Hi Chris, Thank you so much for pointing this out. You're absolutely right that I used a grad filter when making the exposure and the reason for the unnatural-looking transition. Lately however I've been learning how to use Lumenzia from Greg Benz and will be applying this technique to more of my images.
"Grads" are a staple in landscape photography, for obvious reasons Craig, but I've given up using them because they're a pain (and I do go to a lot of trouble with images otherwise, use a tripod, etc) and often give fakey results. Digital "post" (or I guess HDR) gives better results usually.
Hi Chris, When used incorrectly a Grad filter can be quite noticeable however if used correctly can give a natural and pleasing result. The day when I made this exposure the sea was quite rough which made me more focussed on setting up a nice composition while trying not to get my kit drenched and less on setting up my filter properly. That being said there are occasions when I've completely foregone using a grad filter and resorted to just making 2 exposures one for the foreground and the other for the highlight then blend them in Photoshop using Luninosity masks.
Whoa! Craig! This is really beautiful. Super depth. Well done!
Hi Ruth, Thank you so much for taking the time to view and post such a wonderful comment. :)
It's certainly an attractive image, Craig. One thing that distracts this jaded photographer's eye, though, is that the water looks oddly bright in the foreground whitewash area, turning dark where the breakers begin. It's an unnatural-looking transition, and may have crept in from using a grad filter, or in "post". Difficult to get this all looking right with such a high-contrast scene.
Hi Chris, Thank you so much for pointing this out. You're absolutely right that I used a grad filter when making the exposure and the reason for the unnatural-looking transition. Lately however I've been learning how to use Lumenzia from Greg Benz and will be applying this technique to more of my images.
"Grads" are a staple in landscape photography, for obvious reasons Craig, but I've given up using them because they're a pain (and I do go to a lot of trouble with images otherwise, use a tripod, etc) and often give fakey results. Digital "post" (or I guess HDR) gives better results usually.
Hi Chris, When used incorrectly a Grad filter can be quite noticeable however if used correctly can give a natural and pleasing result. The day when I made this exposure the sea was quite rough which made me more focussed on setting up a nice composition while trying not to get my kit drenched and less on setting up my filter properly. That being said there are occasions when I've completely foregone using a grad filter and resorted to just making 2 exposures one for the foreground and the other for the highlight then blend them in Photoshop using Luninosity masks.