Surf and fog
“The voice of the surf heard now and then was a positive pleasure, like the speech of a brother. It was something natural, that had its reason, that had a meaning.” (Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad)
There’s something comforting about the sound of the surf, unending and rhythmic upon the shoreline. Sometimes it is loud, driven by storm winds roaring across a vast expanse of water. Other times it is quiet, as it was on this morning, muffled by an early morning fog. Always present, if not always constant.
I don’t often shoot nature, tending more to depictions of the urban landscape. But vacations are about relaxing and exploring, two often contradictory pursuits, and I wanted to try to capture the natural elements of the South Carolina low country.
I was fortunate to experience not one, but two sunrises along this particular stretch of beach. The first morning was fairly clear, with a beautiful sunrise, and I came away with a few good photos. The second morning visit began in a pre-dawn fog, both literally and figuratively, and I wondered what kind of results I might achieve. Fog can be a wonderful element in photography, softening the light and providing a sense of mystery, and on this morning it worked perfectly with the light and the surf.
For this image, I combined nine bracketed exposures, ranging from -4 to +4 EV. I hope you enjoy the image, and have a great day!
Gorgeous glow under the bridge and on the shore and water, Van. Love the details of the rocks in the sand in the foreground. Nice.
July 6, 2011 at 8:49 am
Thanks, Alex!
July 6, 2011 at 9:17 am
Van, this photo puts me right THERE! As someone who used to enjoy hitting the desolate beach early to watch the fog roll in and the sun rise, this picture really resonates with me. I love how you captured the glow under the pier … I can almost smell the salt and hear the lap of the waves as they gently roll to shore. Well done!
July 6, 2011 at 9:02 am
Thanks, Cheryl!
July 6, 2011 at 9:18 am
Fantastic work, Van!
July 6, 2011 at 10:14 am
Thanks, Andy!
July 6, 2011 at 11:29 am
Excellent Pier shot Van, one of your best, very nice.
July 6, 2011 at 12:01 pm
T-Wiz, thanks!
July 6, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Really looks great Van! Excellent job!
July 6, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Thanks, Evan!
July 6, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I was definitely in a fog that morning, getting up that early! Pretty shot.
July 6, 2011 at 4:36 pm
But still beautiful!
July 6, 2011 at 7:22 pm
that came out great Van, well shot!
July 7, 2011 at 9:11 am
Thanks, Jim!
July 7, 2011 at 10:41 am
Absolutely gorgeous light. I feel the composition is spot on as well, great work!
July 7, 2011 at 9:43 am
Thanks, Jason!
July 7, 2011 at 10:42 am
Wow, fantastic detail!! i like the leading line of the pier that takes you far, far out. Great job!
July 12, 2011 at 1:04 am
Thanks, Adam!
July 12, 2011 at 6:29 am
Lovely shot.
July 16, 2011 at 10:47 am
Thanks, Paul.
July 17, 2011 at 10:35 am
When we went to the low country, we never made it to the beach. Your photo makes me ache to see it…especially at sunrise! Thanks for sharing it.
July 16, 2011 at 9:47 pm
You’re welcome, Shelly!
July 17, 2011 at 10:36 am