Stormy seas
Apr, 2014Views
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Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Water In Movement Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Jaw Dropping
Genius
Exceptional Contrast
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this shot in Porthcawl, Wales (on the coast), whilst standing on the coastal pathway in over 60 mph winds! It was wild and standing up was severely difficult, never mind photographing. Consequently it took hours to get this one, but it was worth the wait! The wave is created by the swell breaking on the rocks and colliding with the rebound off Porthcawl harbour wall.Time
This was taken at 1:30pm, which was near high tide, hence the large waves breaking near the harbour.Lighting
Although in editing the photo I did add contrast (as the original photo did not quite do justice to the reality), the photo was taken when there was particular contrast, with darkness of the storm in the background and sunlight (from a break in the storm clouds) on the breaking wave in the foreground. In my opinion, such lighting contrast always creates drama and thus interest in photos.Equipment
Nikon D7000 (body) with a old 50mm f1.4 prime.Inspiration
I have always been fascinated by the incredible power and majesty of nature. Consequently, this trip to Wales was my chance to capture nature as I love it!Editing
Yes, I changed the photo to black and white, allowing the viewers to focus on the the shapes and detail the breaking waves create. This also gives the image a more 'stormy' feel; the effect I was looking for. Finally, I added some clarity and contrast in raw processing, because the original image lost some, due to the harsh photographing conditions meaning sea spray got on my lens!In my camera bag
I usually have 4 different lenses with my Nikon D7000: 1) 50mm f1.4 prime (afd type lens); my favourite lens as it picks up colours and details incredibly, while being very sharp 2) 11-16mm Tokina, the lens I use for landscapes and night photography (long exposures) 3) 300mm Nikon (old prime), the lens I use for sports and wildlife photography 4) 105mm Nikon macro, the lens I use for macro and medium telephoto photographyFeedback
Capturing stormy weather is always a dangerous, although thrilling, job. Always follow the forecast, news and emergency service's (lifeguard etc.) advice. Moreover, try and photography the storm (or just weather) from a sheltered spot or at least one where you are not completely isolated, as not only is this safer, but it can improve your photographs tenfold. For instance, it allows you to focus on aspects of photo such as: composition (rule of thirds for example), waiting for the correct lighting (when the sun shines on your desired subject, in my case the breaking wave) or what settings to use. That leads me onto more advice; for capturing fast moving subjects such as waves, you should use a fast shutter speed (I used 1/800 of a second), to 'freeze' the action and maintain detail/sharpness. On the other hand, if you would like to capture lighting (as this tends to go along with stormy weather), I would recommend either; using a long exposure to capture lightning strikes at night or investing in a 'Neutral Density', and using a long exposure in the daytime, as long exposures capture all light that occur within the time the shutter is open.
