magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yesterday was the first day that promised a bit of warmth for what seems an age, and it brought out the perambulators. Studland has plenty of golden sand to stroll along so its always popular when the sun's out - we have moments in the winter when we are the only people on the beach, but that time has passed for now.
I like snapping these strollers but seldom manage to make much of a picture. Like Edie and Erich were discussing earlier today on one of Erich's posts, sometimes the shot doesn't turn out as the mind's eye thought it saw the scene.
Anyway, I thought I'd use the snaps to try out the newly empowered Profiles in Lightroom - they offer a range of basic settings at the click of whatever you have to click with, leaving all the usual sliders in there neutral position so that you can accept as is or carry on processing to taste. I've done a bit of both with these. Any comments welcomed and your time, as always, is appreciated.

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

I get the impression that #1 would have worked better without the close-up people, as in #3. However, the beach in #3 doesn't seem as nice as it is in #1. The others are fine as part of a series but wouldn't stand on their own very well.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

It's interesting to note how R.G. and I see things slightly differently. I like the beach in #3 because of the texture and the background. I do agree that the people close up in #1 would be more effective if they were more in the background. I also like no#2 because of the mist. The rest belong in the series; but I agree with R.G. that, on their own, I don't think they would hold my interest. One thing that we all do, I'm sure, is to take lots of shots when we are out and about. Some catch our fancy, while others miss the mark. I try to always take the shot even if I don't think it will turn out that well. Except, of course, when I'm using film. I'm more selective then.
Erich

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

That’s funny RG, I thought they were missing a couple of people close-up! Just shows what I know!
Three is the classic ‘dont forget to look behind you’ opposite view of the same place. I liked this for the background and the mist, but may be biased from years of visiting this spot.
Got to agree with your last comment. Many thanks for your views, I appreciate them.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yes, the joy of digital gives so much freedom, doesn’t it Erich. I’d love to give film a go again after all these years, but life is just too busy and not enough left! Gotta keep snapping.
In the old days I loaded from bulk, crammed at least 40 shots into the cassette and shot three or four cassettes after work on a summers evening - those were the days.
Many thanks for your comments - we seem to agree on #3. Your time is much appreciated.

ediesaul

I really like the shot with the rolling hills. If the image were mine, I would have less foreground beach sand because, for me, it doesn't add to the story and cutting the foreground would emphasizes the difference between the beach and the lushness of fields and mountains which appeals to me. I wonder how the image would look if the entirety had more contrast.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

There’s definitely a crop to be had from it Edie, I should have gone for it in the first place, and it will take more contrast but becomes a bit dark amongst the foliage. I was trying to keep the bit of mist that was starting to form but it’s not strong enough so can be forfeited. Good ideas, thanks for your thoughts on it.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

It's all about intent. Is the shot about the people or the beach? Both are valid subjects. The beach is about wide open wind-blown spaces, whereas the people are best viewed more intimately. In #1 the beach and dunes have a pleasantness that is subject-worthy.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yeah, I guess they were more about the people for me. I’ll give it another go next time I’m down there. I want the people to give the depth of view, perhaps it’s about my position as well as theirs. I’ll move about a bit more. Thanks for coming back to it RG.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Dave, I did the crop below with your comments in mind: "I like snapping these strollers" and "I want the people to give the depth of view." The reason I picked this is because of the way the near walker is holding her boots And I've created a bit of lie by removing her companions and making her a solitary, contemplative figure.

I find a general lack of interest in the people in this series specifically because they just aren't doing anything interesting. I'm not suggesting a cliche of lone walker on a frigid or foggy beach at dawn, but casually strolling groups just aren't enough for me, I fear.

#4 has interesting possibilities as part of a series of hand of man - how people passed the time, left their mark of their visit. IMO this particular shot would be more eye-catching if photo'd at a lower angle and/or facing towards the sun - making it less documentary and more about forms, textures and light.

#5 doesn't fit the theme of the rest, but it is my favorite composition and subject. The three waves capture the progression of how the water breaks as it reaches shore and the billowing white sails of the lone sailboat add the extra bit of interest. Yep, I'd hang that one in my beach house, if I had one

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for the detailed look Linda.
I think it’s the aimlessness of the walkers that’s the attraction for me! A bit like zombies maybe? Your crop helps but needs a bit adding to the left of her. More careful planning on my part would help instead of just snapping. Then perhaps a bit of Ps to stretch the figures height wise - yep, I’m starting to get an idea! I’ll post if it ever comes to anything but don’t hold your breath meanwhile.
Let me know when you get the beach hut, I’ll send a copy of 5!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Excellent, I'll start saving my shillings today