Cape Elizabeth in Color
Within the photograph, I imagine myself on the deck of a large vessel headed for the shore. The rocky foreground symbolizes the deck of the ship and hints at im...
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Within the photograph, I imagine myself on the deck of a large vessel headed for the shore. The rocky foreground symbolizes the deck of the ship and hints at impending destruction through the split rocks. However, with the lighthouse stationed at the shore as a beacon of hope, the ship's course is diverted and destruction is avoided. Taken at Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine.
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Jul, 2015Views
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davidlipsy
August 29, 2015
Briana, I truly love both versions of this image. Can't make up my mind which I like better.
I think if required, I would choose the color version because of all the delicate hues of color in both the rock and the clouds.
Fantastic work!
I think if required, I would choose the color version because of all the delicate hues of color in both the rock and the clouds.
Fantastic work!
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this shot on Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine. I stood out on one of the short cliffs, set up my tripod precariously, and hoped that it wouldn't fall over in the strong winds.Time
I have never been so excited to wake up at 3:00AM before this day. I arrived to the location at around 4:15AM and started shooting in the low levels of light. Once the sun rose, I was met with gorgeous hues of purple, pink, and subtle golden yellow. Definitely one of my favorite shots.Lighting
Since I envisioned a long exposure shot with the waves gently crashing against the rocks at the base of the lighthouse, I used an adjustable Neutral Density filter. I started time elapses of about thirty seconds to one minute long and had to pay close attention to how the light was changing due to the sunrise.Equipment
I used a Canon 5D Mark III body, a Canon EF 20-35mm lens, an adjustable Neutral Density filter, a cable release, and a tripod.Inspiration
Before traveling to Maine for the first time, I kept hearing about the many beautiful light houses which dot the shores and I couldn't get the image of them out of my head. I did some research, and found Head Light House sitting on Cape Elizabeth. It was exactly what I was searching for. Once I arrived to the light house, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe. The waves were crashing against the shore, it was completely silent except for the occasional car going by in the distance or the sounds of the waves, and the light was breathtaking. Living inland, I had never experienced such a sight and my heart was beating ridiculously fast. I took this shot and immediately felt as though I had accomplished my vision. I returned home and was extremely grateful as to what I experienced and what I saw that day.Editing
I shoot in RAW format, so I needed to process the photograph and adjust color and light levels accordingly.In my camera bag
I always pack my Canon 5D Mark III body with a Canon 70-200mm lens attached, a Canon 50mm 1.4 Prime lens, and a Canon 20-35 Wide Angle lens. Therefore, I have three zones of focus - a zoom for wildlife, a prime portrait style lens, and a wide angle for landscapes. In addition to my body and lenses, I pack a filter set. To quote Erez Marom, "A good filter set is worth its weight in gold."Feedback
Take safe risks. If I had not hopped a short chain-link fence to get out on the rocks, I would never have gotten this shot. I'm not encouraging others to break the law, but I am encouraging them to know their limits, to evaluate the cost and benefits of an action, and to look for new perspectives that can provide lovely outcomes. Also, get out of your comfort zone! If you only shoot midday during the harsh noon sun, then that's all you'll ever get. Shoot in weird times like sunset or sunrise. Or try midnight and shoot the stars. Yes, it's difficult. However, the reward is completely worth it.
