Coastal Vigil
The stones were already stacked, I bought along the tea lights and the bright moon provided the additional lighting. The long exposure used has created some rea...
Read more
The stones were already stacked, I bought along the tea lights and the bright moon provided the additional lighting. The long exposure used has created some really interested effects within this image, such as the wax seen ‘dispersing’ into the sky.
Read less
Read less
Jan, 2017Views
543
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Night Wonders Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
All Star
Absolute Masterpiece
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rankCategories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken along the Great Ocean Road, in Victoria Australia. This section of the coast has a lot of smaller rocks, and over time many stacks like this where built. They have since been knocked over, as it was causing lots of traffic issues with cars stopping on the road (its on a corner) and causing accidents!Time
About 10:30 PMLighting
This was lit using tea lights, placed on the stacks and burning in the mild wind. It was a full moon, partially obscured by cloud, coming from behind the camera, providing some nice foreground ambient lightingEquipment
Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 at 14mm. ISO 200, F11, 90 seconds Tripod used.Inspiration
I was looking for a different take on the rock stacks, often used to signify a death in some cultures, but in this case it was more about tourist seeing one stack, and copying. The tea lights to me reflected the fleeting time people have on earth, burning brightly for a while then slowly fading away. The wind was a curse and a bonus, making it hard to keep the lights burning - but also lifting the melting wax into the air (the purple elements drifting away).Editing
Initial edits in Lightroom, then sent to Photoshop to manage unwanted elements (clone out), sharper the sky, add some detail into the rock stack, and lower brightness in the foreground rocks.In my camera bag
My bag usually contains a Nikon D800 with a Nikon 14-24mm, Sigma 24-105mm, Nikon 45mm TSE, Novaflex Pano Head, NISI Filters (100mm and 150mm), Sirui Tripod, Remote trigger. Sometimes I have Sigma 150mm macro and Sigma 150-500mm Zoom. My favourite lens is the 45mm TSE, when used with the Novoflex Pano head its a killer combination.Feedback
Scope it out during the day time, look for trip hazards (i fell taking this shot). Work out compositions during the day! Being close to the ocean take care and know the state of the tide. Wind will be a big factor in keeping the tea lights alight as well.
