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Notice: Undefined index: LatestPoster in /var/www/vhosts/fredmiranda.com/httpdocs/forum/functions_2021_i.php on line 1852 Landscape Photographer - Photography - FM Forums
This was taken on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's UP. I'll post the story right under this post. This was a blended shot, one of the sky, one for the foreground, and I took a little brightness out of the sun area with a third shot (keeping it as bright as possible). Just layer masks and brush strokes for the blend, nothin' fancy.
I’m always surprised at some of the locations where I setup a tripod. This was on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the northern most reaches of Michigan – at a roadside picnic area!
I kid you not, I stopped by to fix a little problem that was generated from too much sweet tea at lunch and then took a brief walk down to the lakeshore. At first it was a bit of a yawn fest, but curiosity got the better of me so I wandered over the rocks and down the beach. It wasn’t long before I discovered the spot you see in the photo – and hey, the sun was even going to be in a perfect spot just before it slipped below the horizon! Hmm…
So, I left for more scouting with the idea of coming back later in the day to attempt a sunset shot.
A few hours later I was sitting in my truck at the picnic area trying to decide what to do. It looked like the sky wasn’t going to cooperate and besides, it was COLD out. We’re talking temps hovering around 40 degrees, a wicked wind kicking up, and the truck rocking with every gust. I didn’t want to head down and freeze for nothing, and besides, I was pretty sure I’d end up at least partially soaked in the process.
The internal debate if I should go or not ended abruptly about 30 minutes before sunset as conditions started to hint that they just might come together for a nice photo. I was still unsure about it, but I knew I’d hate myself if I didn’t at least try.
So, I scurried down, a brisk wind biting my face, only to find the water washing MUCH higher up the rocks than when I was scouting just a few hours before.
Arrgh.
High waves and water made getting back to the spot I had found a much trickier proposition - at least if I wanted to keep from getting my lower half doused in icy lake water. I opted for a strategy of waiting between waves and dashing like a dork between slick wet rocks and sharp outcroppings.
I arrived at the location patting myself on the back for staying dry.
I quickly setup my tripod and framed the shot – and not a moment too soon. The sky was starting to light up and I snapped away furiously, trying to capture just the right wave.
Then it happend, about 10 minutes into it this monster washed up!
And yes, if it looks like I got wet in the process, I did.
Soaked to my knee in fact.
I promise you, nothing gets your attention like frigid lake water in 40 degree weather with a nearly gale force wind blowing off the lake!
I was cold and soaked but to me the price paid was totally worth it – at least getting back dry wasn’t a challenge anymore – I just went right though the waves!
What a cool shot you got here. To capture some decent wave splashes off a lake, albeit a very big lake, but still it's not easy. Shooting lakes always seem so tame compared to being able to shoot the ocean on a regular basis. So it was nice to see your waves here, very nicely captured. Good job on staying dry until this one, I am sure a video of you dashing back and forth could make a viral hit!
@Sunny Sra - Thanks for the feedback on the clouds. I was debating if they might be a touch too sharp too, I might make a minor tweak down the road.
@treebeard - Although it would make a better story if it were really dangerous, the area where I was standing wasn't too bad at all - just cold and wet lol!
@Jim - I know - I've got to start doing some video of this stuff! Never think about it till it's too late. And I agree - lakes are sometimes tricky - ocean waves always seem more "full" to me.
@802walker - Sure, no problem. No ND filter - it's a blended shot. The shutter speed for this one was 1/6th of a second. Although, depending on the speed of the waves that actually has the potential of being too fast or slow. I chimp and adjust as needed
Beautiful photo Steve! I really like everything about it, the colors, the movement, the come, Great Work! I also like how the wet spot on the rocks draw your eye back in to the shot. Thanks for sharing!
@Dan - A wetsuit (at least the pants) would be a really great idea! I was thinking of one for kayaking anyway. Funny thing was I actually had a pair of pull over boots that would have helped quite a bit - and they were in the truck! Totally forgot I had 'em until I got home and unpacked....
Love the wave action and all the reflected colors.
