Seascape

[Lesley Jones]

Ever since I found an amazing American photographer on another forum (which I haven't used in years), I've wanted to do a seascape. When I decided I was off to Cornwall this year I looked into the technique a bit more, but it made me realise it simply wasn't going to happen. Those waves crashing over rocks in front of a stunning sunset were taken thousands of miles away, by big blokes with lots of equipment. The thought of getting salt spray on my one and only lens was too much to bear and I pretty much forgot about it.

Until I got to Gwithian.

There were some interesting spots, but with the tide coming in at an extreme angle and only two ways off the rocks, I thought it was too dangerous. Then I found somewhere half way down some steps with a wonderful channel between rocks nearly fifteen feet high. That would make a great shot, but it clearly needed high tide which was going to be about two hours after sunset.

Then I threw caution to the wind, clambered down the rest of the steps and just walked out to the waves. It isn't obvious here, but the sea was thundering on the rocks just beyond where I was standing. This isn't that dramatic, but the tripod and I got our feet wet so I reckon it counts as a proper seascape

 

[Beth Anthony]

you've caught the movement in the water just right. i like the continuity between the mountains in the background and rocks in the foreground, that's not something i usually see in a seascape, just lots and lots of sea in the background. gorgeous muted tones as always.

 

[Brian Moore]

This is another with lovely tones and softness, Lesley. I like it a lot.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

The St .Ives bay background as Beth says, does add a positive difference. This stretch of coast does at times have quite dramatic seas, as the western approach is quite open to the
influence of the Atlantic and all it brings. your pic reminds me I aught to give this more of a try, seascapes that is. I love the tones you always achieve. The timing is very good where the sea has washed in around the rocks.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Wonderful Lesley - worth getting wet feet for

Nothing quite as unnerving as watching the wave rise around your tripod/camera!

 

[Andy Boardman]

Cracking shot & well worth the wetness in my opinion, just remember to strip the tripod legs down & wash them out and re lubricate & it will be fine.

 

[Lesley Jones]

Many thanks all. @Andy Boardman - my lightweight tripod hasn't been the same since I took it to Somerset and stood in a rock pool. I do clean my equipment every evening in the B&B if I'm away, but what am I supposed to do at home please?

 

[Andy Boardman]

The same really, ity is worth cleaning it up if you can, I suppose it depends on the tripod make, Gitzo's can be stripped right down to the bare bones for cleaning & each leg comes apart but Manfrotto may be a bit more difficult as you would need tools to release the legs.
Still I love the short & would be proud of it, it is one I would be glad to have hanging on my wall.

 

[Lesley Jones]

Cheers Andy! I fear my legs don't come apart, so a wipe plus a thorough shake will have to do

 

[Andy Boardman]

& the same for the tripod to LOL sorry about that could not resist.The legs should be OK if washed down & cleaned.

 

[Pete Askew]

Superb Lesley and I reckon that certainly counts as a seascape. Love the soft tones again and the light behind the rocks. Nice.