Week 2 – Beach walks, Treasure and Architecture

Following last weeks plan, my second week focused on beach walks, beach treasures and the falling apart architecture that litter the beach shores. I try and go for a walk every afternoon as I find the ocean and shore soothing. Throughout the pictures I explore aperture, shutter speed and exposure – Trying to capture the clearest, detailed picture and get as close as I possibly can.

I managed to get out almost everyday, using my digital camera and phone to capture moments and scenes I found most intriguing. My workflow on Lightroom consists on adjusting light (exposure), contrast, mildly sharpening, cropping if it benefits that photo and more basics. My goal while taking pictures was to get the best possible outcome so I did not have to edit excessively.

March 16

It was terribly stormy on this day so I opted for photographing my collection of beach treasures indoors.

  • 1/20 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 320
  • 1/15 sec. f/5.6 140 mm ISO: 320
  • 1/15 sec. f/5.6 70 mm ISO: 320
  • 1/20 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 320
  • 1/25 sec. f/5.6 170 mm ISO: 320
Chosen Photo
  • 1/15 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 320
Why? I chose this photo because I really liked the way I played with the aperture. I find that the shapes in the background don’t disturb and distract the eye. The colours and the white shell also fit together. While uploading I’ve determined that the blurriness in the forefront is mildly distracting.

March 17

The weather was a lot more welcoming and I decided to bring my camera with me as I walked along the shore.

  • 1/800 sec. f/6.3 178 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/320 sec. f/6.3 90 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/320 sec. f/6.3 200 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/640 sec. f/6.3 40 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/500 sec. f/6.3 140 mm ISO: 400
Chosen Photo
Why? I chose this photo because of its composition. I was drawn to the branches in the background and how the cones and needles contrast well against it. The blue of the sky also blend with everything pleasingly. The sun had come out momentarily and added a nice warm hue.

March 18

Taking the same route as the day before, I left my camera at home and opted for my phone camera so I could enjoy exploring and beach combing more. During this walk I happened to find a full, dead, sea urchin.

Disclaimer: My phone does not include the shot information, I have even tried looking through my phone but no luck.

Chosen Photo
Why? I couldn’t help but put this as my chosen since I was surprised by how much detail my phone camera was able to capture and because this rare find is so uniquely cool.

March 21

With the sun fully shining and the tide low, I decided to take out my camera again on my beach walk.

  • 1/320 sec. f/5.6 40 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/400 sec. f/5.6 100 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/400 sec. f/6.3 70 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/250 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 400
  • 1/400 sec. f/5.6 70 mm ISO: 400
Chosen Photo
  • 1/250 sec. f/5.6 190 mm ISO: 400
Why? I was so amazed and excited when I saw these photos, the tide was low and there were some tidal pools I saw I could take advantage of. I was able to take the anemone pictures clearly even though I was photographing the water as well. After editing, this is the anemone picture I chose.

Three Remaining Photos

  • 1/500 sec. f/6.3 130 mm ISO: 400
While walking down the shore I saw an interestingly shaped washed up stump, as I approached I realized that it looked like a window. Hence why I chose this picture, I was also very pleased with the aperture.
  • 1/500 sec. f/6.3 35 mm ISO: 320
Everything looked so vibrant and the blue sky provided a nice backdrop for the tree. I also like how the cedar tree leans outward, creating focal point. Was, additionally, trying out more landscape shots.
  • 1/400 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO: 400
While the tied was low, many birds were digging around the sand and rocks looking for food. I happened to get a crow “crowing” while pecking around for food. Since this shot was fun to try and take, I’ve chosen it as one of the three.

Reflection

Aside from weather and an injured arm; Everything went smoothly, I was able to photograph what I had planned without any issue. As I photographed and uploaded I could even see some improvements with how I used my camera which made me excited. I can comfortably use Lightroom; uploading, exporting, making albums, editing and expanding my editing… and have gotten used to short-cuts. As mentioned before, my biggest challenge this week was dealing with an injured, dominant, arm which slowed down computer use and work.