The Lone fisherman.
Nov, 2013Views
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Superb Composition
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Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Exceptional Contrast
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Jaw Dropping
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
On the beach front of Barn Hill Station. A cattle property in Western Australia. A reasonable climb down the cliff face allows access to the beach. Due to the sun setting on the sea, it reveals spectacular sunsets. At the same time it is a fishermans play ground. Get the time and setting right and images similar to this are possible.Time
Around 6.30 pm. During April. Having been out on the beach earlier in the day, I realised the potential for sunset shots. All I needed was the necessary clouds, a fisherman or two and the scene is set. As the sun was setting several possible shots were available, so that meant a lot of footwork, backwards and forwards to achieve images presented for capture. Location and position together helped to create this image.Lighting
As we know shooting into the sun can cause damage to our camera and eyes. I had a polarizing filter fitted, still waited till the sun was partly obscured before releasing the shutter. Knowing there was the element of risk. My attempt was based around using the cloud formation to lessen the light intensity, at the same time get the colour separation that can occur under these conditions. Using a neutral density filter would have helped, I had failed to fit one before leaving for the beach. So a case of work with what you have, lesson learned.Equipment
Canon 450D, with a 70-200L lens fitted, polarizing filter. Handheld. No tripod due to the difficulty of access down the cliff face. Which to a certain extent worked to my favour as it allowed me to maneuver into different positions quickly. Take the shot, shift location, shoot, move. When the sun settled I then sat down and got my breath back for the climb up the face again.Inspiration
The open sea scene. Knowing with the right cloud formation, luckily, I would have a nice image. Uncluttered with man made structures, which is something we see less of nowadays. Hoping I would see someone on the beach fishing would give the scene perspective. Ending up with the sea gulls waiting for 'takeaways' helped as well. Lack of strong wind presence meant low wave activity, adding to the reflection detail. It all came together well. The fisherman had enough happening with his rod to keep him in the scene, as I waited for the correct position of the sun.Editing
A very basic amount of highlight correction and saturation. If I had fitted the neutral density filter, the colours would have been slightly different. The clouds could have changed, overall I was happy with what I captured.In my camera bag
Canon 450D, 50mm, 18-55mm kit lens, 55- 250mm kit lens, Muse Lensbaby. Polarizing filters to suit. Tripod. Plastic rubbish bags to protect my equipment in sudden weather changes. Do have a protection bag for the camera bag, found out the hard way how difficult it is to fit in a hurry. It is not always rain that can be an issue. Dust storms in a dry climate can be equally frustrating.Feedback
Remember your Neutral Density Filters! They make a difference with scenes like this. Also remember when running across sand as your feet move you are kicking sand up in range of your camera. Pay attention to how the sun will influence the reflections in your image. As it will be caught by your eyes as well. Remember to wear good quality sun glasses, squinting into the sun getting your shot ready is not beneficial to your eyes either. You can remove them for the shot. Equipment protection from sand/water invasion. Being extra careful with your equipment will mean nothing if the wind picks up at the wrong time. If using a tripod, cut holes in tennis balls to place under the feet. It will prevent the legs from sinking into the sand. Yes, something extra to carry, wrap them up in a rubbish bag, the bag can protect your camera on the tripod, if necessary.
