Medusa
Flared backwash at sunrise on a moody cloudy day
Flared backwash at sunrise on a moody cloudy day
Read less
Read less
Jun, 2016Views
2080
Likes
Awards
Lucky 3 Award
Contest Finalist in Splash Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Virtuoso
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken outside my house just north of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. I put my wetsuit on, put my camera in my housing and walked down to the beach. A storm was approaching and the lighting was spectacular however the ocean was a washing machine so I almost didn't go out. I was out for about an hour getting thrown around in the cold water and this was the only image I liked from that morning. Im glad I went out because its become one of my favourite photos, I have it hanging on my wall.Time
This photo was taken at about 7am, right on sunrise. The morning is my favourite time of day, especially when theres cloud - different cloud densities are always an exciting variable and so dynamic that it creates endless energy and moods in the water.Lighting
The sun is back lighting the waves flare through the clouds. Lighting was the only reason I went out that morning, the waves weren't good, the wind was up and didn't look appealing at all. From experience, I've found that lighting makes the photo, if this image with the same subject and wave flare was taken midday on a sunny day, it wouldn't have the same impact or appeal. Let lighting guide you, its the most important element.Equipment
Nikon D700 with a 50mm 1.4 lens inside an Aquatech waterhousingInspiration
I'm inspired to share photos that you haven't seen before, shooting at water level gives a beautiful and rare perspective. But also not to share what you've already seen. I want to create interesting photos that emotionally connect and make you feel something.Editing
Basic exposure adjustments, slightly bumped up the contrastIn my camera bag
Nikon D810 Nikon 50mm 1.4 Sigma 35mm 1.4 Nikon 85mm 1.4 Nikon 70-200 2.8 Aquatech waterhousing and portsFeedback
Firstly, you'll need a waterhousing for your camera, an expensive yet invaluable tool. Secondly, It's important to be inspired by other photographers but not become a carbon copy. Too many times, especially in ocean photography, its too easy to mimic and follow trends. I encourage people to find their own style and be bold - don't become another Ray Collins imitator. Let your photos be a reflection of yourself, not somebody else.
