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Snapper Rocks


Snapper Rocks
Photo Information
Copyright: Matthew Watt (Matthew-Watt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1044 W: 329 N: 1285] (4159)
Genre: Places
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2008-01-20
Categories: Daily Life, Decisive Moment
Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS, 36 - 432mm Zoom
Exposure: 1/640 seconds
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): My Black and White Photographs, Waves on Rocks [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-02-05 3:08
Viewed: 1047
Points: 80
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Snapper Rocks

Snapper Rocks is a small rocky outcrop on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Queensland's Gold Coast. It is a famous surf break and today the start of the large sand bank known to surfers as the Superbank.

In 1956 Jack Evans built the Snapper Rocks Sea Baths, with an adjacent shark pool for public viewing. Later that year the Boyd brothers, local fishermen, caught two bottlenose dolphins in the Terranora Creek which Evans took and put in the pool for the Jack Evans Porpoise Show (which moved around to Duranbah in 1961). Only remnants of the pools remain today.

- Wikipedia

I assume that this pool is a remnant of the once popular porpoise pools although it does not look big enough (perhaps it was a holding tank). At high tide when the waves crash over the headland, locals and tourists wander across the barnacle encrusted rocks to this pool to experience the waves crashing over them in this natural spa bath.

I took this photo from about 100m away on top of Point Danger, from a similar vantage that I used to take my previous posted photo. Lighting was poor so I converted the image to black and white. I won’t bother posting the colour version because all that is highlighted is some green algae on the rock. I captured this about 10 seconds after a large wave pummeled the pool so I could see all the runoff. This was the best of the 33 images I had taken in succession. Rested camera on fence for stability. The next post will return to my colour photographs, but I have enjoyed this B&W phase.

Thanks for looking, and feel free to post workshops if you consider the contrast insufficient!

gunbud, claire526, ChrisJ, gokanlam, avene, joeydrops, chpp, vikous, lilimih33, JPlumb, qengji, mvdisco, angela926, siolaw, Muse, Davidwh, jean11-3, ku-fotak-chtik, crhieatt has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To jmcl: ContrastMatthew-Watt 1 02-17 15:12
To capthaddock: ThumbnailMatthew-Watt 1 02-06 17:50
To SteveH: SwimmersMatthew-Watt 1 02-05 03:33
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • ChrisJ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 8720 W: 917 N: 11589] (56203)
  • [2008-02-05 3:11]

Hi Matthew

Good tonal range, sharpness & pov, in this superb b&w image from Snapper Rocks. I saw a shark there, last time I visited, but the rock pools look safe enough. Well done!

the contrast is perfect...is a perfect picture in my opinion,great frame and great place
well seen and shot
est regards,anes

Hi Matthew,
Beautiful moment.. The people in the small rock pools create a nice composition.. The waves look great! Good choice of B&W.
In Turkey Pamukkale has a similar view..
Congratulations,
ReLa

Hi Matthew, An eye cathing photo. The square frame works well, with the rocks forming a diagonal aspect, broken by the swimmers. That the swimmers are small in the image creates an impression of the power of the ocean relative to them. One could imagine a wave washing them away. In the colour version are they more distinct? cheers, Steve

Good morning, Matthew,
It's an odd scene for someone who has never been there -- those people look so small and vulnerable within the turbulent water and jagged rocks. It is a great capture and very well composed. Your choice of black & white was a good one.

Regards,
Lisa

No need for workshop as I think the picture has a very good contrast. The water running out of the rock surface is excellent and gives a good sense of the power of the mighty ocean. Well done.
Antonio

Hey Matt,
Awesome shot! You've captured the power of the waves really well. Wow! Sounds like a pretty cool place. I don't think I've ever been there, or not that I remember anyway. The good part is that it's not very far away. I'll have to go for a drive and check it out one day.
I like the details in your photo, the textures of the rocks, the water crashing over them, the people and the POV, with the rocks positioned diagonally accross the frame, giving good depth. I'd probably up the contrast slightly even more, I think because the frame is white, which makes the whites in the photo appear more greyer if you know what i mean. A little more contrast will make the whites whiter and make the people and rocks stand out even more. The photo is still great the way it is though and the choice of B&W is excellent, because it makes the eyes focus on the sharp details rather than colour. Wonderful capture!
Claudia

  • Great 
  • avene Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1189 W: 68 N: 1451] (5480)
  • [2008-02-05 5:01]

hi Matt,
I like a lot that you have chosen black&white version, I find it emphasises textures more and makes the viewer focus on the movement of the water. incredible view, smart idea to wait for the aftermath of the wave, the flowing water is what really makes this shot to stand out. it goes without saying that human figures are essential to appreciate the scale. very nice work, my compliments.
best,
Kristine

  • Great 
  • sevy Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 660 W: 120 N: 1016] (5921)
  • [2008-02-05 6:05]

Hello Matthew,

Very impressive shot. It is the first time I heard about this place.
Your photo is efficient. The square frame put well the subject in its environment and the black and white treatment allows to put in evidence the play and the move of the waves and sea.
A shot which could be printed in big size without issue.

Yves.

  • Great 
  • Ann75 Gold Star Critiquer [C: 1100 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-02-05 11:22]

Hi Matt,

Wow, what a scene! I love the power of the water that's dripping of this shot. I looks quite dangerous for those people in that pool in the middle, woudn't they get knocked around if a big wave hits? Great timing and wonderful contrast! In your situation it was good to go for black & white! Great work, Matt!

Greetings,
Ann

  • Great 
  • Stepan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5023 W: 93 N: 3886] (25583)
  • [2008-02-05 11:51]

The B&W was a good idea to have some mystery and style about a strange place. Hard to really figure the place out and that's... good like that !! Good crop too.
Stéphane

  • Great 
  • chpp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 577 W: 51 N: 629] (2999)
  • [2008-02-05 12:01]

Hi Matt
I think this image is very good. is well framed and has very nice sharpness. I;m not completely sure about the B&W, i think colour would fit more this time. However the details shown very well
cheers
chris

  • Great 
  • vikous Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 129 W: 4 N: 328] (2004)
  • [2008-02-05 13:20]

Wow! What a place to take a bath! I like the B&W version Matt! Great capture of amazing place, well done!
best regards,
viktor

Hello Mat:

Again having your picture in black and white, which are very attractive.

The position of the side at the scene, has been well chosen by you, which makes it possible to appreciate a picture of joy and entertainment.

The actions of the people, stimulate the scene, and the frame saves a great balance.

John

Terrific shot, Matthew. It looks pretty dangerous!

I guess having the human elements in the frame mandated a fast shutter rather than the long exposure that many would reach for to get a smooth flow of surf. I think the result here is excellent, crisp and sharp and dynamic. Well done.

Hello Matthew!
Fantastic place and wonderful black/white composition!
I would like to be there!
Excellent done!
Best regards!
Lili

  • Great 
  • MLINES Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1971 W: 171 N: 1995] (8780)
  • [2008-02-05 19:42]

Hi Matt. This is going to be a classic. The photo was well timed, B&W make it timeless. Your new frame looks very good indeed. Congratulations. TFS. Murray.

Hello my friend Matt,
Very good choice to have it B/W version and I fully understanding the situation in this sort of condition when doing photographing!
I loved how you waited for about 10 seconds for the full beauty of runoff, this is a great shot to me and much appreciated for your effort for sharing this
my compliment once again!
best regards
tony

  • Great 
  • ifanik Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1607 W: 52 N: 2503] (14328)
  • [2008-02-06 1:10]

Hi Matthew
Very beautiful photo and i like the b/w
Wonderful place
Thanks for the wishes
best regards
Nick

  • Great 
  • delkoo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3749 W: 235 N: 4845] (23916)
  • [2008-02-06 1:56]

hi matthew
incredible place, i ever seen that before, i am impressed by The wild beauty of this place.

treatment is well executed and suits the subject well.

didier

Hi Matt, Australia is as far as I know very unique with all of the rock pools that have been set up here. They are an amazing idea, with their self cleaning, self filling, safe setup. I haven't seen anything like these anywhere else (not that I've traveled that far mind you). I love the action you've captured in this shot with the water flow and people using the pool. Clarity in the shot is excellent. Very well done.

Thanks, John

just one word, fantastic photo. b&w is a very good choice and the composition alone tells very much. also your note is very useful. TFS

Bonsoir Matthew,
Lovely capture here in black & White, excellent prise de vue and contrast of your picture, what a beautiful place! Matthew ,great catch and frame, lovely details and excellent Point of view ..
Very well done.
Michel
Many Thanks for your comments to my picture : Sunset

Hello matthew,
Great shot, i like the B&W!good composition and point of view, very lovely tones and light. good sharpness.
Angela

I didn't think much of the thumbnail, but I'm glad I opened it, what wone me over was the people, not really obvious in the thumbnail, even though protected, it looks like a risky spot for a dip, they seem to be swimming in a waterfall.

  • Great 
  • siolaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3908 W: 402 N: 6478] (22122)
  • [2008-02-06 21:40]

Hi Matt,
It looks like the name 'Point Danger' is appropriate! The sea looks very powerful here, but these people are just bathing like in a bath tub! The sea textures are well rendered and the power of these waves is there for anyone to see! B&W was a good choice and so is the squarish format.
Greetings from Bangkok
Laurent

  • Great 
  • Muse Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2363 W: 199 N: 5547] (23502)
  • [2008-02-07 1:00]

Hello Matthew,
Une conversion BN qui convient très bien.
Jolie scène animée par ces baigneurs.
Un bon cadrage et de beaux contrastes.
Best regards
Denise

  • Great 
  • carper Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 9524 W: 450 N: 15198] (53280)
  • [2008-02-07 10:02]

it's a very good shot here Matthew
and I like the black and white in it, a well composed shot, good details and a very nice composition, very good photojob, with my compliments.
gr. jaap

  • Great 
  • euryan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1109 W: 121 N: 1759] (7722)
  • [2008-02-07 13:05]

I really like this photo in B&W. It has enough tones to make the water and rocks look very interesting. The moment of capture is perfect with the water crashing over the rocks (best of 33!). The square crop works well with your composition as well. I'd like to see the white tones a little brighter but that’s just my personal preference.
Regards,
Ryan

Hi Matthew,
It sure does look an amazing place! I agree with Lisa that it is difficult to comprehend how the figures sit in the midst of such a turbulent and raging sea.It must be a real thrill and adrenaline buzz! Your choice of B&W has really brought out the patterns of the runoff.....interesting and original.
Regards, David

  • Great 
  • toto Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2473 W: 107 N: 2692] (14219)
  • [2008-02-08 12:59]

Belle photo de cette piscine oceanique NB qui est de toute beaute. On doit etre bien secoue quand la vague submerge les roches et remplit la piscine.
Amities Thomas

Hi Matt,
Looks like we have a natural swimming pool here. Great composition. Awesome shot! Lots of acction and I like the water falls too :) Very cool.
Regards,
Claire

This is another great picture ! An interesting too.
It looks a really dangerous place to have a bath. A natural Jacuzzi. The tele photo lens very well flattened the view, isolating the subject.
Really amazing.
Stefano

  • Great 
  • Dyerco Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1240 W: 13 N: 1261] (5340)
  • [2008-02-11 22:14]

Hi Matthew
The B&W presentation works well here. You caught the wave really nicely as it looks like a drapery over the rocks.
Well done.
Phil

  • Great 
  • gunbud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4302 W: 4 N: 3775] (17350)
  • [2008-02-12 8:26]

Hi Matthew,
Excellent clarity to this fine B&W image. You have achieved a wonderful sence of motion with the sharp details to the rocks and the crashing surf. Very infromative note to go along with this fine composition.
Regards, Tom

Hello Matthew,b/w pictures seem to emphasise the textures, and there are plenty here.
It looks a fascinating place and you have shot it beautifully.
Thanks for the informative note.
Tfs, regards Jean.

This is a great shot. I think it is very powerful in the black and white. Great choice!

  • Great 
  • jmcl Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2611 W: 146 N: 3421] (11902)
  • [2008-02-17 7:04]
  • [+]

Hi Mathew,

I love the composition .. the way these people interact with such a powerful place .. I bet the contrast was a nightmare to get .. all that white spray and foam .. I think maybe a touch brighter .. but I am not sure .. you have done a pretty great job .. wonderful image.

take care,

John

  • Great 
  • bigric Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 41 W: 1 N: 235] (2873)
  • [2008-03-05 20:44]

Great place to live next to the ocean in lovey warm water all year round in QLD.
Thanks for your comments of my waves. I have surfered Snapper Rocks a few times.
Take care Richard.

Matt,
Very interesting image - looks like complete madness - and is certainly v. effective in black and white.
Regards
colin

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