lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

I have been at the beach all week. I have taken several wave photos. I am lost as to what is the correct composition. Other than getting deep into the water and catching the wave just as it starts to curl so I can see the curl I am not sure. I am just not brave enough to get in there with my camera and give it a try. My knees were it today. Please comment and let me know your opinions.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

For me it is mostly two things;
#1 Light
#2 Composition

With the first two the lighting appears a bit flat and the POV makes me feel a bit dettached.

With your permission I can post an example of what I am talking about

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

Please post and example. Thank you.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Thanks.

This was shot from an eastern beach around dawn. I was standing on the beach (I am very conservative and don't like getting wet whaen using a camera).

Catherine Hill Bay #1

(Download)

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

This is awesome! Would you share your settings? I think I have been using too high of SS. I am loosing the motion

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Thanks

Canon EOS 40D + EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens
1/2000 (to freeze the spray) @ ƒ/5.6 and F=260.0 mm
ISO 400

There is a fair ammount of Ping with this image to bring out the light.

There was a strong of-shore wind blowing.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Thank you for the education. I am learning a lot here.

lorim222315 Loc: Twin City Area

Would you be willing to help me with the "flat" lighting? How do I improve? I will be going to San Diego and will give the waves another go. I would love to find some surfing waves to give it a better try. Thank you for your tutoring!

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

:thumbup: :thumbup:

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Re locations.

Check out some of the surfing magazines or possibly some surfing web sites (that will also give you an idea of the swell etc, covering the area you want to shoot.
Also some local "camera clubs" and flickr images may give you an idea.

Re the light;
When the the light is fairly low in the sky it will give the best "modelling". That means around dawn or late in the day. Use the "photographers ephermeris" for sunrise/sunset times and also the sun direction.

I am not a surf photographer however I some times shoot 'scapes with a very keen landscape/seascape group.
Normally we will be on site, and set up, 1/2 hour before first light (for dawn shoots) and finish shootiing about 1/2 hour after sunrise (depending on the light).

Keep in mind that sometimes very long exposures can result in half decent images and if the surf is not good you may be able to get some nice waterflows of rocks etc.