Interesting Day At The Beach

This is not a very good image but demonstrates how odd the

weather can be alongside the Ocean. Jim and I had been doing

some sightseeing but at the end of the day had hoped to spend

some time at the Ocean. I cannot even guess how far away these

people were, but if I were to hazard a guess, it would be at least a

mile. I was using my 200m f/2.8L lens. It was a very, very bright day,

extremely hot and humid, and down here on the Beach the Weather

Forecast had been spot on. They were warning about very strong rip

currents, very high waves causing beach erosion, and really did not

want people going into the water. It was so bright, I stopped the lens

down to F5 and even then, my shutter speed was 1/4000 sec. It was

difficult to stand still because when the surf came in, it was drawing

us out into the water (plus I would sink into the sand if I managed to

stand still). The haze caused by the combination of the

temperature/wind/water was quite thick. When I have looked at the

image much larger I can see the haze and probably sand. We were

only there for about an hour and the combination of the humidity and

the wind blowing sand into my hair, virtually caused the bit of

hairspray I had used become just like Glue. I had so much sand in

my hair, my scalp was gritty. Needless to say I valued my lens more

that getting many captures. Mind you it was wonderful to experience

the cool breeze off the Ocean. Earlier, we had been further North

and I was taking images off one of the wharfs. The sun was beating

down and the Humidity was almost unbearable. We had 2 days of

very quickly changing weather during out stay.

A nice composition and interesting story.  Thanks for sharing.  

Many thanks for stopping by Bill. The conditions were not so great for the best shot but that is how the weather was this particular day!

perhaps if we ever get back to Florida, we will get as far south as Miami!!! would love to meet you!! many thanks for your visit!

Hi Gail,

You certainly captured the "visual" impression of how the beach looks under these conditions well.

I noted that you were set at ISO 400, 1/4000 second at F/5. I know that you camera shutter speed is as set to its maximum value. However, using ISO 100, you could have made this shot at F/2.8 (wide open), too. However, I did teach you that the best ISO for your camera (and most all DSLR) starts at ISO 200. So F/4 would have worked at ISO 200 at 1/4000 second, too.

A high quality circular polarizer would also benefit you , as the contrast level across the beach scene would be higher, too.

The issue that I have with an expensive filter is that while it protects the lens, it can be damaged as well. One time, I had a $150 filter fall prey to strong gusty winds that "sand blasted" the filter that I was using.

Warmest Regards, Mike

A very appealing shot. I wish I was there right now when the temperature here with wind chill is -30 Celsius.

Hi Gail,

I am agree with Mike but anyway a very nice capture and great composition.  

Best regards, Tina

A bit bland with the weather hazy and niether here nor there ! Worth a shot though . Bill

The lower contrast, slightly desaturated colors, and predominance of white in the water give this image a painterly effect - almost impressionistic.  You've convinced me to take more walks on the beach, especially before our weather becomes its usual hot and humid.

My best,

michael

Great image Gail!! And very uplifting in spirit (as I look at 11" of snow that fell last night that needs shoveling...ugh!)

Hi Gail,

  Your write up clearly explains the conditions you captured this nicely composed image at. Sometimes there is not much else to do other than take a few images and hope tomorrow is better. But still it's a great scene with the crashing waves and hazy day. You made the most of it. Take care.

Best Always,

Holger

I like the image and part of that is the framing and composition you chose. It is unusual and it "works".

Hi Gail,  First, it's wonderful that you had this chance to have fun and relax.  You understate your skills.  This is an excellent image.  It's soft and moody, reminds me of a pastel painting.  I like the angle you have chosen where you have beach on two corners of the image with the hotel in the far corner.   Looks like pretty scary water for the couple who stayed in it.   I like this image.  Hope you are doing and feeling well.   Your beach is inviting as we tough out bitter cold sub zero Minnesota weather.  It's probably 100 degrees  F. warmer in Florida than it is here.  Best to you, Gail.   Larry

A very nicely composed result with beautiful lighting, Gail!

Many thanks for your visit and encouragement Ruud.

Thank you for your very kind critique. The encouragement is welcomed. Actually, we were in Florida during the first 2 weeks of November!! So we are FREEZING like everyone else. Mind you our wind chill tonight is in the -20c. We have experienced ALL the cold weather and yes, we have thought more than once about how we would love to still be there!! I still have a lot to learn Larry, but Florida gave me some challenges that I wasn't quite used to. It gets Humid here, but there was one day where I have never experienced such humidity!!!

Kind regards and appreciation for your visit, Gail

Hello Grant. With all the fires and fierce temps you are experiencing down under, this must be a 'cooling' sight. Thank you for dropping by and wishing me Happy New Years salutations. We spent a quiet New Years, but it is fine by me.

sincere thanks, Gail

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful scene with wonderful water flow.  I can almost hear the sound of the waves.  Take care, Patsy

I'm so sorry I did not see your comment sooner Patsy.  Yes, the waves were quite wild that day and it was so very humid. I love being by the Ocean....it's so beautiful!