Light From Within

At just the right time of the year on a clear day, the last light of sunset filters into this enormous, 200ft long, sea tunnel on Oregon's coast, illuminating the misty interior carved out by the churning waves. Large swells roared down the cavern and exploded all around me on the other side. Although I ended up getting totally soaked, I particularly enjoyed photographing the waters receeding back into the light.

 

1Ds III, 25mm, no filters

 

2 exposures blended at 2.5 and 13 seconds.

Thanks for commenting. Image description is below.

really amazing these one! congrats!!

again something new and stunning. 7/7

Fantastic work. Congratulations!

 

7/7

Outstanding photo, love the composition and slow shutter speed. What a beautiful place and you captured it very well. Congrats.

Just wondering how you kept the camera and lens from getting wet if you got soaked. Even a drop or two on the lens can impact the final image negatively. was it enclosed in a waterproof case? Fabulous image by the way.

Tony, I repeatedly rushed in for the shot and then rushed back out trying to time my image with the smaller waves. I made a few mistakes though and had to yank the camera out of the way and hold it over my head - luckily the 1Ds III is more or less waterproof, but my 16-35 had some 'communication' issues with the camera following this experience. My whole setup got splashed really good several times - that may have had something to do with it... Anyway, I just wiped the front of the lens off and went back in there each time it got drops on it. No problem there.

Fantastic and stunning work!Congrats and best regards..

this image has some vibrations, because of the cold and warm colours, and because of the motion of the water and the stilness of the rocks.

Excellent in every aspect, but most of all original. How did you find this gem, Marc ?

Marc

 

You have outdone yourself here! This is just amazing! Incredible scene, composition, and exposure!

 

You continue to inspire us all!

Marc, for me your signature is becoming perfect shadow detail in very difficult lighting situations. This is a great example. The range of light is handled with expertise in every part of the photo.

Nice work Marc. This looks like a very challenging situation, especially when you have to make two exposures before moving to get a good register for the digital blend. I am curious. I have found that a scene like this, containing dark areas with good detail, will look good on screen, but can be difficult to render a good print. There are enough specular highlights to show in a print, but from the midtones down, things can get pretty dark. Obviously, the contrast will be strong to good effect, but the darker areas may begin to merge into near black. For sure, the viewing light would need to be as good as can be for the print to be successful. Do you have a different approach for a situation like this for output? Anyway, I commend you!

Hi Marc, as usual it's perfect.

The subject is well cached and with accomplish splendid technique

Br/ Roger

 

This is really an spectacular image!

Just taken at the right moment with the perfect technic.

Wonderfull colours and pow

 

Congratulations

 

Ricardo

Thanks for the response. I keep a "yellow anti-static" cloth to wipe droplets from my lens/filter when required. Keep on turning out these magnificent creations but these watery holes may increase your equipment maintenance costs but I would say it is worth it.

So this is what a great photographer can do with the right camera. Incredibly captured.

Liz, thanks for the compliment.

 

In all honesty, anyone with the right techniques could do this with any entry-level SLR camera today, and I can show them how. This is a blended exposure with a 25mm lens that covers 5-6 f/stops of dynamic range (light). This is fully within the capabilities of even some point and shoots on a tripod. It's not about camera, it's about utilizing the correct techniques in both the field and processing that will allow you to create the final result - no easy task regardless of camera, but it's possible. The professional camera simply allows me to print the image larger and cleaner, but that's it.

 

I really want people to understand what is possible here and not limit themselves based on camera. That's the only reason I mention it.

 

Thanks.

Mark, I get that frequently (printing dark) but really, with the right papers, profiles, glass and lighting (worth a lengthy discussion in all likelyhood, but not right now) I don't find it to be all that challenging. I've definitely found systems that work. It's mostly about getting your blacks right combined with perfect glass and lighting. I do admit, I have a lot of prints that must be displayed in the right conditions to reach their potential though. Also, with digital display of various forms becoming more popular all the time, I'm more excited than ever to be using the combination of darkness and luminence in my processing.

Marc, this is such an incredible photo and so unique. A wonderful job at capturing all the elements to make this treasure! I'm glad you managed to get the shot without harming your camera! Best Regards ~ Gary

“I really want people to understand what is possible here and not limit themselves based on camera. That's the only reason I mention it”

 

Marc,

 

I am a big fan of your work and always inspired when I look at your gallery, here and on Nature Photographers as well as your own site. I appreciate your honest response to Liz; it’s not about the camera but the expertise behind the equipment! I know that I can take better photos if I continue to educate myself and keep trying new things. Keep posting these incredible shots,(stay safe & dry) and know that I always appreciate the information you share!

 

Regards, Pamela

 

There's not much to add, Marc, which has not already been expressed. I must commend you for your efforts to make this image happen... I've done the same in a sea cave (not as deep) on the Maine coast with a 4x5 setup ... even on a calm day, you know the worst is always a possibility. The gods were with you, rewarding you for your effort, and so we're all blessed by this wonderful image. Namaste... Alan

I have no words to describe what I feel when I see this picture. It is just INCREIBLEMENTE BELLA!, like a dream. Thanks very much for sharing. I am going to sleep like a baby today :-)

Spectacular image Marc. Well worth getting wet for (at least from my point of view) I'd say. Very good definition in this extreme lighting speaks to the merits of your techniques. Stunning work!

All the best,

Neil