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Last Sunday, I got up at crack of sparrows, and wanted to take some sunrise beach shots in a similar vein/vain as the guys up at Qld.

Here are my attempts - no grad filter, unfortunately. C&C appreciated

These first two are converted to Velvia simulation.





In this one, tell me, does the bright sun distract or add?



Thanks for looking

I also took a bunch of images using both B&W film and Velvia slide in 6x4.5 format - I can't wait to see the Velvia back from the lab.

Patrick, I like No. 3 -- It has a nice balance and tranquility about it. As for the other two, all I can say is they aren't Point Cartwright are they?
I applaud your enthusiasm at getting up at sparrow's fart to have a go though!

Patrick
I like #1 and 3 but would suggest being on site a little earlier to get the full range of light that the sunrise can provide for you. I also think that grad filters and some bracketed exposures would allow you to get the best possible exposures. The bracketed shots would also allow you to blend a couple of shots for great effects. Longer shutter times would also smooth out what is a rather flat but choppy sea.

Try and get some cheap grad filters off ebay, or borrow some, so you can play around some more and come up with that perfect sunrise shot.

Patrick....some beautiful images here...
Firstly - next time you go...CALL ME!!! (maybe the night before, not at pre-dawn times on the day hehe).
Secondly - my thoughts.

1st image - I think is a little bland...not sure why but I find that whilst it's a serene image, it doesn't stimulate my viewing pleasure much. That said - it's still beautiful.

2nd image - Definitely my favourite here..I like the angle you've used on this one, close to the ground...looking south. As you know, this is our local beach and I'm always on the lookout for great shots of it. The other morning I went for an early morning walk and I found myself to be the ONLY person on the beach (at 7am) it was rather surreal!

3rd image - I like this, but if I was (and I am) being ultra picky I'd like to see a tad less sun...a few minutes (or even seconds) before I think would've been better but again, it's still a beautiful shot.

For Bel's last bday I bought (yes yes, I didn't attempt it myself as I don't rate myself as a good enough landscape photog) her a beautiful framed image of Freshwater beach by local pano/landscape photographer Matt Lauder.

He uses a Fuji pano camera (film) camera and Velvia.
To see some of his work go to http://www.mattlauder.com.au/gallery.php?category=Northern%20Beaches,%20Sydney

Good on ya mate, for getting up and posting these great shots. Hats off to you sir!

Thanks for the comments, guys.

Craig - I appreciate the feedback and I agree 100%. I actually tried to use ACR to convert a single RAW file to 5 differently exposed shots and use HDR, but it didn't work. Yeah, I need to get me some filters, dagnabit. I realised I should have left home earlier, and will try next time.

Geoff, I was thinking of calling you, but, it was the Sunday morning after the AW dinner, and figured you would be in no condition to get up! I also agree with your comments - an earlier start is required. Also, the fact that it was cloudless made the sunrise somewhat bland.

I have seen the print you bought Bel and agree that it is fantastic.

I will give you a yell next time I go out.

Cheers

Honestly I am not too keen on the conversions. The subject is fine but the post processing is lacking your usual skill.

Nice experiment, sure, but I expect better from you Patrick. Now go lose some more sleep and do it again, but better.