Sow's ears

I was wondering why I bothered to get up early for such a dull dawn. This was just after

sunrise with a little light on the sand. I think that this looks a lot better than the reality

of the morning. Your comments are most welcome, thanks.

This is nicely done. At first I was a little skeptical of the inclusion of the bit of rock at lower-left side; but after looking at this for a while, I believe that it is actually necessary and balances well with the center darker patch and the dark patch at lower-right side. An awesome and dramatic sky and clouds adds so much too. Your black and white conversion couldn't be better, and you've preserved some wonderful luminosity in the scene. Kudos, Jeff, on a wonderful photograph! I think you've actually got the 'silk purse' here. Cheers! Chris

This is a very well seen image. Your B&W conversion is great and I particularly like the dark sea at the horizon. I believe I'll disagree with Chris and would like to see the lower left rock cloned out. It does provide some tension, but I feel it pulls my eye off the image a bit. Beautiful Image!

Marc and Chris, many thanks. Obviously, the rock isn't an oversight. I like the diagonal that it creates, and I can see the reasons to exclude it. I just tried cloning it out so that I could present the alternative. It isn't easy as there is a lot of light and dark there. I gave up in the end. It's just too messy.

I vote for the rock to stay. There is a stream of water that would look unnatural lositng its origin. RHS there is an area which would call for similar treatment but it is not distracting and indeed provides balance. I would like to see this in a 10 minute exposure version. Do you ever think of coming back to film (from time to time), Jeff ?

Thanks Peter. I don't miss film at all. I have 64 seconds now, and the promise of more soon. 64 seconds gives me a lot of movement, and is enough for me at the moment.

The play of light and shadow makes for a nice array of "patches" above and below the horizon line, well suited for a 50/50 square composition. Maybe I would prefer the beach toned a bit darker, since the reflection is brighter than the corresponding sky area.

Carsten, thanks. That bright FG is correct. There were a couple of holes in the cloud which were spotlighting the wet sand but less so the sky. It does look odd, less so in the colour original, but more pronounced in the B&W conversion.

Are we taking a poll? Then put me down on the side that votes to retain the controversial rock for the reasons you set forth for keeping it. Mark is entitled to his valid opinion (artistic license, some would argue) though I would say eliminating it would not necessarily ruin the shot. I too noticed the diagonal between it and the dark patch on the right and believe it does add an element of balance to the image. What I like about this image is the echo effect of the dark clouds\lighter sky, and the dark rocks\lighter beach, the almost black line of the horizon separating the two. Nice change of pace, your decision to convert to B&W. I'm stuck with film for a long while with my Bronica SQ Ai being so unmarketable, and thanks to my new Epson V500 scanner, medium format is again part of my toolbox. Stay tuned, though for the next little while I'll be posting some results that could not (economically) previously be shown. (ie: older work) Best, LM.

First of all let me compliment you on a beautifully seen and processed photograph. The tonal range is is amazing and the separation of tones is a credit to your processing skills. As far a the small crop of rock on the left goes I'm for leaving it in. I believe that it keeps the sand "elevated" and coming right at the viewer. Either way Jeff, it's a winner.

Looking at your image, in my oppinion the point that makes a great seascape is: The quiet black water portion in the horizon line;for me it breaks the possibility about a visual monotony and gives a touch of power that the image can be needs. As always in your images the softness of the water is one things that I loves.All the best for this new year!

Very nice image, simple and elegant.

Ross

I like this one a lot better than the latest... I find here an interesting composition, nice sand details and great contrast. Regards.

Thanks for the feedback folks. I have been remiss in my responses. This work stuff is getting in the way.