I was supposed to do a model portfolio shoot last Friday afternoon but I had to send my lens in for urgent attention. I detected a front focussing issue with my Sigma 24-70 f2.8 and also realised that the zoom was sticky. Not wanting to hassle with out of focus photos and a low keeper rate I decided to reschedule and do it properly.
With only my 70-200 L lens and my Sigma 10-20 in my bag I am rather limited to what I can do. So, Sunday afternoon I headed out to see if I can get some more seascape images. There is something about the ocean and the smell of the salt air that relaxes me and draws me closer to my Creator.
Standing on the rocks with my tripod waiting for the perfect wave action and occasionally having to grab my camera and run has a certain allure. Risky as it may sound it is all worth the effort.
I did a little more planning this time and was able to find a rather unique composition. A kind of channel between the rocks made for the incoming water to rush in over the rocks and then split into two when receding. I was amazed how two shots of the exact same area could look so different.
What I have found key to the seascape images is
- Find foreground interest without it overpowering the rest of the image.
- Go low…it gives a very different look to an image especially if you are using a UWA like the 10-20mm on crop body or 16-35 on full frame bodies.
- Watch the water for a while…you don’t want to be surprised with a freak wave drenching you and your equipment.
- You often only have seconds to catch that wave breaking against the rocks. Trying to get focus then is too late. I focus on a spot and switch my lens to MF. That way I know that I don’t have to wait for AF first.
- Know your lens’ abilities. My Sigma performs best between f9 and f13. Occasionally I will use it at f16.
- Take spare shoes and socks…just in case.
- Remember to make use of the time after the sun has gone down. I shoot right up to 30 minutes after sunset.
- If you have a remote use it. Sitting on your haunches behind your camera waiting for the shot when you can sit next to it or behind with the remote makes life a lot easier.
That said I have to add that I am still aspire to greater heights when it comes to landscape work. A contact or friend if I may, of mine Paul Bruins, has really been a great inspiration and has a fantastic eye for landscape work. Visit his site here. Cheers Paul.
Take care all!!
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