Riding-the-Wave-ver-3-PPW
Another image from my outing to Half Moon Bay on 26 December 2008 where I tried for the first time shooting surfers and also tried my 2X TC for the first time o...
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Another image from my outing to Half Moon Bay on 26 December 2008 where I tried for the first time shooting surfers and also tried my 2X TC for the first time on my 300 mm f-4 EDIF AFS lens. Shot with D700 and 300 mm f-4 and Nikon TC 20 IIE tele converter on Gitzo 3541L tripod with Markins M20L ball head. Surfers were backlit by the sun. Processed completely in Capture NX2 except for adding copyright signature and preparing image for web which was done in PSCS4 Extended. Edit 8-8-14 Original NEF was reprocessed by using CNX-2 to send flat TIFF to PSCS6 Extended and the file was processed using Picture Postcard Workflow. The file was also cropped differently.
f-8 equiv , 1-400, ISO 280, 600 mm
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f-8 equiv , 1-400, ISO 280, 600 mm
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Feb, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this image in Half Moon Bay California where many world class surfers compete. I had never tried shooting surfers before.Time
This was mid-afternoon, such that the sun was backlighting the surfers.Lighting
It was golden sunlight that was backlighting the surfers and the water. Since the surfers were wearing black wet suits, so you had a tricky lighting situation.Equipment
300 mm f/4 EDIF AFS lens. Shot with D700 and 300 mm f/4 and Nikon TC 20 IIE teleconverter on Gitzo 3541L tripod with Markins M20L ball head. f/8 equiv , 1/400, ISO 280, 600 mmInspiration
Even though it would have been nice to have a longer lens, I did not own one. I always have liked other surfer shots I have seen and the speed of the surfers and the wake they kicked up. So I decided to see what I could do with my equipment. I would up with 3 images I really liked, including this one, and enjoyed the challenge..Editing
on 8/8/14 I re-edited the original NEF and reprocessed by using CNX-2 to send flat TIFF to PSCS6 Extended and the file was processed using Picture Postcard Workflow. The file was also cropped differently.. I had been doing this with a number of images previously processed in CNX2 as I got better results using the free Picture Post Card extension for PSCS6 Extended, and it was more powerful than either CNX-2 or Photoshop alone. This is my main way to process today as it produces the best images I have ever had from my RAW files. This process also allows me to use a paid-for version of PSCS6 Extended and never have to worry about lens compatibility, etc.In my camera bag
I no longer have a D700 as it was replaced by a D810 and I also sold my 300mm lens and bought the 300mm PE version which is much smaller and a more modern lens. So I always carry the D800 and if I plan a need for a lens longer than 120mm. I bring the 300mm and a set of TC's. I also bring my 24-120 f/4 which is a great all-around lens and finally a 16 mm f/2.8 Fisheye because it is small and fast. Of course, I also carry extra memory cars, cleaning supplies, and a few filters.Feedback
In general, don't hesitate to try things you have not done before. Pay attention to the light. In this case without backlight, this image would not be as good. When using long lenses use a tripod or monopod if you have one or brace yourself using anything in the area. Timing is important, so wait for the right action. Keep enough space around your surfer to establish the environment. Use a high enough shutter speed to stop action.
