Two Surfers At The Wedge
The "Wedge" in Newport Beach, CA can have spectacular big waves. This is one of those days.
The "Wedge" in Newport Beach, CA can have spectacular big waves. This is one of those days.
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Mar, 2015Views
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Awards
People's Choice in surf photography around the world Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Water Sport Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
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Happy
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chriswhittington
March 16, 2015
wooooo - love this - the light and colour is fantastic ..welcome to VB .. more please :-)
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
In Newport Beach, CA, there is a spot fondly called by surfers and bodyboarders as "The Wedge". This is where potentially on a "good" day you may find 30 ft waves. In those kind of days though, it's better to behold than to engage.Time
Like any other shots taken close to noon, when the sun is high and the light is so unforgiving, the challenge of dealing with too much contrast exist. Shots with shadowed faces and blown out areas can be a challenge. Post processing was used to lighten up the faces to see the expressions of joy by the surfers.Lighting
I have shared the lighting conditions as replied above.Equipment
I have a cropped sensor camera Nikon D5300 and a lens which I used for action and wildlife photography, the AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5,6 G. Not the best set of tools since the camera has low frames per second and not fast enough lens, but they serve my hobbyist's needs. I never use a tripod for action or wildlife photography.Inspiration
Upon hearing the news that the waves are awesome, I go to the beaches of Southern California to shoot the surfers whenever my work schedule allows.Editing
I remember using the Nikon post processing tool that came with the camera outfit, the Capture NX. Right now, I'm starting to use the Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC.In my camera bag
I have three cameras, the Nikon D5300, a back-up D5000 and the Sony A6000 (starting to transition into mirrorless).Feedback
After shooting so many surfing shots (taken from land) these are what I learned. 1. To catch the best shot, the photographer should know how the surfer behaves in the water, namely in three stages, the anticipation of the coming wave, the action of surfing and wipeout or fizzling of the wave. In short, know your subject. 2. For me, a great surfing photo has to have a great wave, great energy and a beautiful line created by the surfer. 3. I usually shoot at around 1/1000 sec and f8. But these settings are not set in stone. 4. Shoot low. The lower you are in relation to your subject the better. It makes the waves look bigger. 5. A telephoto lens of at least 300mm. 6. Check the internet for surf height reports on particular locations, on certain days and particular times since the bigger the waves, the more fantastic photos can be taken.
