Beach mushrooms Photo

Photographer’s Note

Many people think of North Africa as an always-hot place, but in winter it can be as cold as many parts of southern Europe. This is Boujaffar Beach at Sousse, one of Tunisia’s most popular beach resorts, on the day after Christmas - deserted because it is so cold (it was windy too, as can be seen from the spray off the tops of the waves). In the summer, Boujaffar Beach is jam-packed with European and Tunisian tourists, but in winter the beach parasols are the only evidence of its summer appeal.

I cropped this into a panoramic shot and also cropped out a couple of people walking along the sand (in thick winter coats) in the left of the frame. This removed the only foreground objects that gave the beach parasols any scale, after which I thought they looked like giant mushrooms sprouting from the white sand.

Usual PP: adjusted levels, contrast, saturation and USM.

jbweasle, aloyho, ChrisJ, MLINES has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jbweasle (9294) 2006-01-09 13:14

Hi David, I like the panoramic style of this shot, it works well for this beach scene. I like the composition withthe shades in front and the buildings behind and shows well the modern day Tunisia. It looks a bit lonely without any tourists there!

kensimage (8539) 2006-01-10 0:54

A good shot to give us a feel for the overall look of the place, and the rhythm of the umbrellas adds interest. I wonder, was there a higher POV from which to frame a shot of just umbrellas and waves, something more graphic? Nothing wrong with this one--that's just an alternative that came to mind.

Thanks for your "vote" on my "Secluded Reader"! Regards, Ken.

aloyho (6105) 2006-01-12 1:13

Hi David,
This is an unusual beach scene devoid of human activity yet there is so much action going on with the wind striking the waves and the very rhythmic beach parasols due to its repetition. The scenery is very interesting and appealing as a result of your good POV and colour control. Very impressive!! A Happy New Year and best regards.

ChrisJ (69522) 2006-01-14 4:41

Hi David

Excellent sharpness, color, & lighting, with good contrast. Did you take a close up shot of the umrellas? The panoramic format was a good choice here. Tfs!

elmec (12194) 2006-01-21 3:49

Hello David!
Where are the people? ;-)
I know - that's winter time ... i prefer it than summer! It's time to real rest! Not in hardly summer when is noise and hot!
Very nice view!
I like it!
Greetings!

teta5 (1201) 2006-03-03 12:53

Hello David.
I like this picture a lot!
great captured, colors, lights and title.
the contrast between beach's umbrellas and buildings is great. I like the waves - its gaves fantastic effect! And beach without people - is rather unique view!
thanks for sharing
best regards
Aneta :)

magost (565) 2006-10-21 8:59

Hi David,
amazing composition and great colors... Original title too!
I like very much the waves, more interesting because of the windy day! Panoramic format works very well in my opinion, only I think you could add some beach on the left, to catch the place where sea meets land...
Best regards

Federico