Nualchemist

Sunset at Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is just north of San Francisco and it is a popular beach. Especially this particular spot with rocks in the water is popular among photographers. I ...
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Rodeo Beach is just north of San Francisco and it is a popular beach. Especially this particular spot with rocks in the water is popular among photographers. I was lucky to have a beautiful sunset when I came here. It made my trip worthwhile.
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Nov, 2014

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was photographed at Radeo Beach, Sausalito, CA, just north of San Francisco.

Time

This was my second try to shoot a sunset at this beach. The view of the beach itself is fantastic but I wanted to have clouds in the sky to have more dramatic sunset. Mother nature cooperated with me this time. Clouds were just perfect for my composition. So was the position of the setting sun on the horizon. To shoot a beautiful sunset, you have to be not only at the right place at the right time but lucky. I was here at the right time, 5 pm on March 16, 2013 and mother nature did the rest.

Lighting

To have a good exposure for both sky and the foreground when shooting a sunset, the time slot is very short. You have to have your graduated ND filters handy and work quickly. I used a 3 stop Lee GND filter to hold the sky and keep the foreground in good exposure.

Equipment

The image was photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM lens. I normally use Manfrotto for dry landscape shooting, but for shooting on beaches, I use a cheap but sturdy tripod since almost all the time, I find myself standing in the water. So boots are part of my must have gear.

Inspiration

I love shooting seascapes in San Francisco Bay Area. Rodeo Beach has been one of the attractive locations for me because of the magnificent rock formations, especially those towering ones in the water.

Editing

I always shoot sunsets with the Cloudy mode on camera to add a warm tone. Although that's a good start, still, that's not enough for me. I normally use the Curve tool in Photoshop to emphasize the warm tone. I also use Level to bring up reflection on the wet sand. Dark blue in the sky never be the correct color for me (I know this is very subjective). I adjust the blue in the sky using Replace Color.

In my camera bag

I often shoot on beaches and I'm a big believer of a wide angle lens, so what I carry with me is quite simple. Starting with my favorite Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM lens attached, a couple of Lee GND filters (2 and 3 stops), Cokin filter holder with an adopter ring, a couple of cotton editing gloves to hold the Lee filters, a cable release, a plastic camera cover to protect my camera from water (waves and rain), extra batteries, flash lights, a lens cloth, a circular polarizer, a 10 stop ND filter and Sigma 70-300mm zoom lens which I seldom use.

Feedback

Shooting a seascape with a sunset is adventurous. Expect to have your feet wet. I recommend to wear boots. Getting your shoes wet is not fun. You can be daring to capture wild waves but always safety comes first. Don't underestimate mother nature. Get to the location before sunset and observe the movement of the water first to see how high and close it comes. Once you set your camera, decide composition quickly. You have only 20 minutes for shooting a sunset and twilight. Pay attention to the water movement. Rushing water is exciting but pulling water makes a good image too. If you are shooting with a slow shutter speed, watch for the water coming at you. Lift your tripod and run if you see a too big wave coming. It's not worth wetting your equipment.

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Nualchemist

Nualchemist

Sunset at Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is just north of San Francisco and it is a popular beach. Especially this particular spot with rocks in the water is popular among photographers. I ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Nualchemist

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Rodeo Beach is just north of San Francisco and it is a popular beach. Especially this particular spot with rocks in the water is popular among photographers. I ...
Read more

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Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.