Monday, February 16, 2009

A Nice Day by the Ocean (part three)

Continuing on another 30 minutes or so, what I have here is essentially two versions of the same subject in two different kinds of light. The first is very soft and low contrast while the light was being filtered through the clouds, and the second has a lot more definition as the sun managed to peak out near the horizon and create a really nice side-lighting effect and also give that beautiful russet color typical of the late afternoon. The gulls were cooperative subjects, posing nicely while I was shooting away with the light changing almost moment by moment. Still haven't decided which of these I prefer; I'll be interested in which gets the better reaction. To me, the second, besides the nice light, has more depth although I like the atmosphere of the first also.
I actually have several more decent variations on this one which I won't bore you with; eventually I'll pick the one I feel works best overall.

22 comments:

roentare said...

The image pops so much in deed! Great art itself!

Mark Alan Meader said...

Thanks James.. I'd be interested if you have any thoughts on which, if any, you prefer and why. (Anyone can chip in here, BTW.)

D. Hawks said...

Mark,
Personally, I like the first photo. Although, I really like late afternoon sun, the first image sets a slightly melancholy tone. The gulls and the rocks actually stand out more in the first image as well. Just my two cents.
-Doug

Lenox Knits said...

I prefer the 1st as well. I think the ocean really sets a mood in that one. I like the birds in the 2nd one better but the ocean is so blurred.

Unknown said...

My two cents: I prefer the first (the one at the top). The color of the ocean looks better...more balanced, and the rocks look cool...sort of smooth and sharp at the same time. Also, the gulls have a really mystical quality about them, as if they're standing in those exact positions for a reason.

The second one seems more harsh in contrast to the first.

Unknown said...

Mark,

Before reading other's comments i was sure i would be the only one to prefer the first :)

With the low contrast, the soft colors and the nice part you left to the cloudy sky it really makes me smell the ocean.

Our countries are very similar on many points but one thing is sure : we don't have the same waves. Your's are hudge.

Lynda Lehmann said...

I like them both. Both are exquisite shots, although with different moods, as you point out. If I had to pick the one I prefer, it would be the second one, as the high light creates such drama.

Beautiful, Mark!

Deborah Lambson said...

Bore? I don't think so!~ I love them both, in the first one your eye is drawn out to the ocean while the second its the rocks with all their texture and form that pull your eye. Both achingly beautiful.

Unknown said...

Great shots, I really want to find some moving water to have a play with aperture...I love the slightly blue colour in the last one,the water moement is beautiful love the gulls and the rocks in the top and second one, very strange rock formation, lovely compositions...Thanks for sharing :-)

Amy Lilley Designs said...

I think they are both BEAUTIFUL...they look like 2 completely different ocean shots, tho the same landscape @ different times w/ different light...they are both strong, yet the 'edges' remain very soft...I can see where the Japanese print, the lines and color would have influenced your work...you have quite a gift!!

Unknown said...

Ooops and my fave has to be the top one. Why?
Interesting clouds, lovely clear distinction between the foreground and background, the gulls and rocks are crisp but the movement of the waves look great as a backdrop to it....and it would look great on my wall :-)

floreta said...

wow, beautiful shots! i love both. i think the last works best overall.. more balanced colors. but the first is sort of a mood piece. great job!!!

storybeader said...

to me, there's more contrast in the first pic. I don't know what it is - the color maybe. One the other hand (of course!), even though I like three in my compositions, the second pic looks like a gull "couple."

Ashrays said...

it's the second one for me

Mark Alan Meader said...

Well, I was thinking there would be a clear-cut winner here, but I guess I was wrong! Seems right about down the middle. I'll just have to put them aside for a few months and come back with a fresh eye to see how I feel then. I really appreciate all the comments from such a talented group of readers!

Ashrays said...

I don't think there could be a clear-cut winner, when yes both pic's are so good! :)

I'm surprised you are not deafened by the sound off splitting hairs it was such a difficult choice to make. Especially for me, being less knolageable on such things photographic.

emilayusof said...

beautiful!!!

Jackie said...

Absolutely stunning!! you are one of the very best that I see in my travels around different blogs!

Do you manipulate at all? Or is this picture totally as is?

Wow if so I can only dream of ever getting a photo like that!!:-))

Mark Alan Meader said...

Shinade: Thanks so much and that is a great question. Where does "processing" end and "manipulation" begin? The short answer is that I usually keep the look as natural as possible, back to what I saw with my eye and my mind at the time. What it takes to get to that point doesn't really matter to me so long as it looks natural and not like "digital art". Everyone is free to express themselves as they want and I don't fault those that go for the more manipulated look, but I personally try to stay withing the realm of traditional photography. This set of images has only very basic adjustments. I'll probably talk about this subject a lot in the future.

Tim said...

Both are beautiful, but I prefer the second, The rocks are more interesting.

Mark Alan Meader said...

Thanks for the vote, Tim. Guess I'll declare this one a tie!

Anonymous said...

wow what a beautiful pictures.. :-) Love the ocean and the seagulls on the rocks.. the waves look fantastic.

have a nice day/evening