Contemplation. Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hi all. Sometimes a photo just appears before your eyes. I was taking photos of some guys catching the small surf at Wanganui last weekend and was a little disappointed with the shots I was getting. As I was leaving I looked down the beach and liked the look of the water rushing up the beach and was just lining up a shot when this guy comes out of the water and starts walking up the beach, right into my frame and then poses. What could I do? CLICK-CLICK. He was asking for it!!
This is taken from the same vantage point as my “Morgan Street???” photo.
In WS a bonus shot.
Enjoy, Paul.

edytungkal, besnard, Cricri, danos, belido, Dyerco, Kielia, Charo, Scharan, Emile, stego, Gerrit, litiancai, dareco, Budapestman, ryno, riclopes, cunejo200, BWJ, mvdisco, siolaw, papagolf21, Uhu, Clementi, josepmarin, gracious, plimrn, jafadabret, dip, axiotea, polpo56, jhm, AiresSantos, feather, Tue, Docarmo, lightsensor, vmf-214, lucasgalodoido, jaywalker, Didi, Silversnow, ChrisJ, patdeph, andante, MLINES, degani, jstewart, salvator, flory has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

MarcT (21093) 2008-11-26 21:12

Hi Paul,
Excellent placement of the surfer. Nice waves in the sand leading us through the picture.
Well seen!
Marc

edytungkal (4519) 2008-11-26 21:15

I think the rushing up water has give a beautiful effect to the picture, i like three different colours on the ground and the surfer as a nice focal point. A nice shot Paul and thanks for the picture..have a nice day...

daniel

trekks (14262) 2008-11-26 21:50

hi Paul

That must be cold? What a time for surfing. The man strikes a nice pose here with the black suit and the red board. Very interesting to see that the weather and condition would not deter some people from the love of sporting activity.

tfs, bill

dkdash (214) 2008-11-26 21:54

Nice moment. I wonder what this surfer thinking looking at the seas, something about the challenge of waves :).Lovely picture. TFS.

zeynepe (9342) 2008-11-26 22:04

Hi Paul,
The combination of the fantastic waves on the sand and the man with his red surfboard looks absolutely fantastic.
Congrats and have a nice day,
Zeynep

cknara (553) 2008-11-26 22:25

Aloofness is composed in a nice way.

besnard (30492) 2008-11-26 22:50

Bonjour Paul
Une très belle composition avec ce surfer qui se demande s'il doit y aller. C'est très bien réalisé.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

Waylim (10741) 2008-11-26 23:21

Paul,
This is very nice. I like the vertical formate, giving so much depth to the image. The dark sand color contrast so well against the white water, and its reflection of the light. Very excellent moment. Congratulation. I should go down to the beach and try some shots of the surfers. What the heck, I am in Calfironia for heaven sake.
Way

gezimania (5774) 2008-11-26 23:23

Hi Paul,
Increased contrast works very good here, and compo is excellent
Cheers
Selnur

jimkilgallon (0) 2008-11-26 23:26

Lovely shot Paul
The surfers board really helps this image being it a deep red. I like the waves gently coming into the beach. A excellent shot of good daily life. Can you email me some free WE in the next coming weeks and if you like I can come down and meet you. Look forward to the cyclist shots.
Cheers
Jim

barrufeto_77 (25697) 2008-11-26 23:32

Hi Paul.

That surffer, that waves breaking...mmmm...excellent atmosphere!

Rgs, OScar

smarcell (14265) 2008-11-26 23:39

Simple and perfectly composed. The human figure breaks the view in the right way. Very good scene too.
Regards Stefano

giorgimer (21000) 2008-11-27 0:03

Hi Paul,

WONDERFUL! Great result by the waves traces, nice contrast of the red surf table with the dark sand.

TFS

Gio

ribeiroantonio (21859) 2008-11-27 0:12

I have seen this type of scenes very often here in Queensland. They seem quite undecided.
The picture is excellent with very good light and a superb composition. Well done.
Antonio

Haymotion (1793) 2008-11-27 0:28

Very nice composition !
The atmosphere of your shot is fun..
Très ésthétique la facon dont tu as cadré ta photo !!
Bravo
TFS
Vince

mauro61 (15178) 2008-11-27 1:15

ciao Paul,
bellissima immagine esaltata dal taglio verticale.
Ottimi i colori e come hai dosato le luci.
bravo
buona giornata
maurizio

Cricri (43030) 2008-11-27 2:24

Hi Paul
Magnifique scéne des vagues qui donne un petit côté graphique au sable, et bien sur la présence du surfteur qui reste façiner par la mer, et oui j'aime cela aussi, joli le bonus :-)
Good day for you
cricri

tehanu_f (6874) 2008-11-27 2:46

good use of vertical cadrage. the man with the red surf in the middle of graphics looks great.

danos (32198) 2008-11-27 2:49

Hello Paul,
nice perspective and POV of the coastline with the zic-zac of the waves to make the scene so attractive.The contemplation of the serfer is envied and i wonder what is he's thinking about..Well done.

Regards,Danos

belido (16273) 2008-11-27 2:53

Hi Paul,

lovely composition. Top quality in all aspects: vertical framing, soft colors, the surfer well placed in the frame and the graphical apealing of the water on the sand. Great one!
Regards,
Carlos

Dyerco (9018) 2008-11-27 7:47

Hi Paul
It looks like he is saying the surfer's prayer. " Next time I will conquer all waves that Mother nature has to offer" Excellent shot Paul and having a red surf board was a bonus.
Cheers
Phil

Kielia (8387) 2008-11-27 9:13

Hi Paul,
excellent title! And a very good scene, simple and sophisticated at the same time. Excellent light and presentation. Congratulation!
Warm regards
Harriet

Charo (31665) 2008-11-27 10:43

Hello Paul,
The format gives a great depth to this beautiful image, where the surfer seems to be thinking which will be their strategy to cope with the waves, or perhaps only is enjoying his contemplation. Excellent capture.
Best regards,
Charo

Scharan (13951) 2008-11-27 11:48

Olá Paul

Uma bela composição tirando proveito das ondas sinuosas que fazem um interessante desenho na areia. Ótimo título...contemplação.
Gosto do vermelho da prancha quebrando a harmonia das cores...
Parabéns!
GA
Vera

Emile (19883) 2008-11-27 12:16

Hola Paul.
The presence of the surfer with his red surfboard creates a nice colors contrast with the beautiful sea waves and it's reflection. Good POV and composition. Very well captured.
Best regards.

stego (22350) 2008-11-27 13:29

Hi Paul,

It's a very attractive image, even in the thumbnail. The twisting shoreline and the dark sand make an eye catching pattern in which the surfer with its red board fits very nicely. Even if you didn't mention it in your note, I think I'd have the feeling that it is one of those successful cases of a mix of being at the right at the right moment and have the eye, inspiration and talent to see the photographic potential of the scene. Bravo!

I say much the same about the WS, which is very achieved, but as you wrote, it has a different mood. The footpath and the dead tree are very well used in the compo.

Regards, José.

Gerrit (35593) 2008-11-27 17:48

Hi Paul,
wonderful composition and a very strong idea.\
Great atmosphere.
Regards, Gerrit

litiancai (1040) 2008-11-27 21:17

Hey Paul,
Having the surfer in the shot is great because I think it's necessary for a shot with such a small amount of detail. His placement is great, but the best thing is the gentle sweeping lines in the sand from the retreating waves, and gently reflecting the blue light. Lovely photo, thanks for showing
all the best
Lee

dareco (17104) 2008-11-27 22:42

Nice composition and I love the mood! Perfect pov and very good detail. Great timing! TFS

emka (21179) 2008-11-27 22:46

Hi Paul,

Splendid shot, I like the pose of the comtemplating surfer. Beautiful composition in nice colour. Wonderful beach...

Regards

Malgorzata

Budapestman (41576) 2008-11-28 2:03

Hi Paul,
Great impression with spectacular vertical composition. The timing is excellent, the atmosphere is tranquil and calm. Beautiful shot. Have a nice day!
George

ryno (4590) 2008-11-28 2:44

Hi Paul, great photo. I like the DOF here, it really accentuates the emptiness of the beach, while the red surfboard provides a great focus point. As you said in your note, sometimes the best shots just unfold before one's eyes.
Regards,
Ryno

riclopes (32957) 2008-11-28 3:04

Very good couple of photos of your unexpected model, Paul. The WS makes a good complementar picture but I like this one a bit more because of his pose. He just got out of there but to me he seems like thinking about going back again for some more waves. "should I go again?". And you're right: the effect of the water along the shore makes a beautiful effect to frame the surfer. The red board is also a nice bonus.
Have a good weekend,
ricardo

anokutan (7533) 2008-11-28 5:04

Hello Paul,
Painting-like Picture.Great light management.

cunejo200 (7157) 2008-11-28 6:31

Hi Paul,
Sharp focus on the surfer with his board. I do like how you incorporated the rushing waves and the dark sand in this wholesome composition. Best regards...Danilo

BWJ (1771) 2008-11-28 20:08

Hello Paul,
The curves of the breaking waves on the dark sand capture my attention. Then my eye wanders to the surfer and his red surf board. The picture is well balanced. It is very atmospheric and well done!
Kind regards,
Betty

mvdisco (11452) 2008-11-28 20:46

Hi Paul,
Beautiful picture nicely composed and presented with great colours and sharpness, Excellent POV. and DOF., very well done.
Michel

siolaw (25720) 2008-11-28 23:04

Hi Paul
Vertical framing with alternate waves and black sand giving a strong visual impact. Good placement of the surfer...
Greetings
Laurent

Graal (57647) 2008-11-29 0:12

Hi Paul,
very nice image. Friends all told You. Fine composition and minimalist "human" accent. Good idea and finally effect. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

papagolf21 (56159) 2008-11-29 1:05

Bonjour, cher Paul,
En vérité l'homme qui veut contempler en face la gloire de Dieu sur la terre doit contempler cette gloire dans la solitude.
[Edgar Allan Poe]
Une superbe image qu'il suffit de contempler pour en apprécier toute la beauté.
Amitiés.
Philippe

rodgerg (23717) 2008-11-29 1:33

Hello Paul,

A composition very well balanced with the surfer very well located in the image. The red of the surf arise very well. I like too the incurved play between the sand and the water. A masterpiece.
Have a good WE,
Roger

Uhu (7356) 2008-11-29 2:12

Despite it's simplesness, it's a very exquisite photo! It have a human touch in it, and at the same time deep nature meaning. I like it very much!

Clementi (43659) 2008-11-29 2:36

Ciao Paul,
I like this surfer that looking for the opportune moment to ride the wave.
beautiful very intense scene.
have a nice week end
Giorgio

josepmarin (33785) 2008-11-29 5:26

Hi Paul,
I like this composition simple and almost minimalistic, in where the surfer with his red board seems to be waiting for the great wave, while he is watching at the sea.
The drawings of the water on the sand of the beach have a nice graphism.
The light is perfect.
A great work.
Best regards,
Josep

gracious (20017) 2008-11-29 8:08

Hello Paul,
The vertical format is really perfect for this sort of composition indeed with depth!
I loved the equal waves and sand and a lone surfer with the surf-board! good shot!
thanks for the sharing and have a wonderful sunday!
mate Tony

plimrn (19600) 2008-11-29 11:17

Hi Paul,
Wow, what a different mood from 'Morgan Street!!' This one communicates a sense of peacefulness with the tongues of the sea lapping the clean beach. The curve of the surfboard almost repeats some of the wave shapes, while its bright color makes it a fine focal point.
HLJ, Pat

jafadabret (39357) 2008-11-29 11:51

Bonjour Paul.
C'est une très belle photo comme on aimerait tous en faire. J'aime le graphisme et les couleurs de la mer qui vient mourir sur cette plage sombre mais ce surfeur tout pensif devant les vagues ajoute à la photo ce petit plus qui la rend des plus belles.
Bon week end,
Jacques

dip (12534) 2008-11-29 13:36

Hi Paul,
excellent capture of the scene,I like the colors and the contrast,very well done!
Greetings,
Dimitris.

danyy (68492) 2008-11-29 15:39

Bonjour Paul,
le cadrage et le format vertical font une bonne part du graphisme de cette photo, toutes ces langues d'eau et d'écume, complètent les acteurs de cette belle composition.
Regards.
Daniel.

axiotea (16031) 2008-11-29 22:51

Hello Paul
The patterns created by the sea on the sand is an eye catcher and contrast nicely against the darker areas! A well timed capture of the surfer and great luminosity.
Cheers
Marilyn

jurek1951 (25896) 2008-11-29 23:37

Hi Paul.
Beautiful and picturesque scenery :] Nice composition, colours and lighting, well framed.
Georg

Nicou (44491) 2008-11-30 0:48

Hello,

Quel effet ces vague ce sufeur qui vsisonne cette belle mer, tr très belles courbes, avec le salble, le blan, le bleu, la la planche rouge. de toute beauté.

Bravo et amitié
Nicou

polpo56 (7888) 2008-11-30 3:12

Ciao Paul,
this is an excellent shot.
The man is looking the sea and perhaps he is thinking: to go or not to go? Perhaps is dangerous, but I want to go and I want to fly with my surf.
Nice vertical composition, nice movement maked by the undertow.
My best compliments.
Have a nice Sunday.
Ludo

jhm (82201) 2008-11-30 4:03

Hello Paul,

Two lovely elements in this wonderful picture.
The very long beach with white waves, excellent contrasted against the dark sand beach.
The surfer is the real eye catcher.
Composition and colours are very well. TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

AiresSantos (41866) 2008-11-30 5:31

Hi Paul
Nice POV with the surfphist looking the see. Excellent POV and colours. I like the curve line created by the water see.
TFS and greetings
Aires

feather (49858) 2008-11-30 6:18

The waves are making wonderful patterns on the shoreline and the gentle light seems perfect. The surfer makes an excellent impact, even more so with his red board. The WS photo is also good but this is definitely the winner.
Kath

pablominto (40402) 2008-11-30 6:25

Hello Paul,

I like the point of view, making the waterline appear in this Z-pattern!
The simplicity is very appealing, and the three main elements work well together...
Let's hope the surfer finds an ideal wave..!

Greetings,
Pablo -

Tue (25608) 2008-12-01 3:34

Hi Paul,
Beautiful view down the beach with the sea creating beautiful patterns on the sand. And it's great to have the surfer leaning on his surfboard in the composition too! Very well captured and thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

John_F_Kennedy (31197) 2008-12-01 3:47

Great minimalism. Excellent composition and colours. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

Docarmo (8820) 2008-12-01 7:48

Hi Paul,
This image is of a rare beauty. The movement of the water rushing up the beach, with the blue sky reflected on it and followed by the froth, this man looking at the ocean, according to the title - what a succesful composition. Congratulations!
MCV

lightsensor (721) 2008-12-01 7:49

hi, Paul,
this is very good composition photo, and the moment is prefect as well. the red surf board is just give a plus to this photo.
nice!

J-P,

vmf-214 (1622) 2008-12-01 10:20

Hi Paul,

Great placement and like the wave action in the photo. Looks like the sufer is deep in thought on what he's going to do. Great job Paul.

Regards
Jason.

lucasgalodoido (16583) 2008-12-01 12:40

Hi Paul,
interesting scene of the surfer alone on the beach. Contemplating the sea, or waiting the perfect wave, I don´t know.... but the picture is very nice.
Regards,
Lucas

jaywalker (12190) 2008-12-01 13:46

Hi Paul, The man looking out to sea pondering which wave to catch gives nice though to this shot, the vertical framing is perfect & the wash breaking the shore adds a wonderful appeal, with soft light & the deep red board finish the shot perfectly, kind regards Wilson.

Gregtom (7119) 2008-12-02 0:03

Hello, Paul!
Is he waiting for a higher or smaller waves? You have catched a really decisive moment. Good composition and nice colors!
regards,
Greg

jmcl (13721) 2008-12-02 16:19

Hi Paul,

I love the vastness .. the sense of the ocean from the bit of surface .. great use of perspective .. all this amplified by your subject .. take care, John

Didi (35998) 2008-12-03 7:09

Hi Paul
Nice contemplation indeed with an interesting framing of the silver waves on the sand.
Good lights management exposure.
Well done.
Best regards

Silversnow (2107) 2008-12-03 19:01

Indeed, great composition and good use of the moment :)

Angshu (33551) 2008-12-04 19:48

Excellent shot Paul! The framing is fine, as if he's surrounded by the water. The lines created by the waves on the sand, the small surf leads us in very well. His red surf board also stands out. I liked your WS shot as well, but this is definitely better. Fine work!
Regards
Angshu

dvlazar (6474) 2008-12-07 3:41

Really lovely moment captured - the lone surfer and his ocean. The vertical framing and his location in it is perfect.

Well executed...
Dave

npecanhuk (13623) 2008-12-08 0:16

Hello Paul!
Vertical format was an excellent choice!
Exposure is perfect for the scene, as well as sharpness!
To captivate me though, what mostly counts for, is the composition, where you have placed the sand, the waves and the surfers in the most correct positions in the image and thus created such a wonderful beach scene! I'm sure all of us - surfers or not - would love to be in the place of that man! I really like it!
TFS - Congratulations!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan

jmdias (19071) 2008-12-08 5:56

paul

very beautiful compo, well built. I liked the shapes between the sea and the sand, creating soft and ondulating lines, the guy is perfectly put in the scenery. a very beautiful work, congratulations

hugs

jorge

ChrisJ (70019) 2008-12-09 0:40

Hi Paul

I like the undulating curves of the waves & shoreline on the beach. Good sharpness. The red surfboard contrasts well against the blue water. Tfs!

patdeph (17694) 2008-12-10 23:03

hello Paul
I like very much how you have fraed this scene!The waves draw some superb curves on the sand,their bright color make a superb contrast with the blak sand,the red surf brings a nice vivid color!Superb!
Regards
Pascale

downer (244) 2008-12-11 14:20

Excellent composition and beautiful colors. The lacy waves creates a beautiful effect, but the strongest points of the image are of course the surfer's gaze and the color of the board.
Cheers, Ioana

andante (7092) 2008-12-12 6:56

This is what I call a moment of zen... the moment right before the surfer is mentally preparing and connecting with the sea... The vertical format focus the attention directly on the surfer.
Great capture!
TFS,
E

MLINES (10856) 2008-12-13 22:04

Hi Paul, They have smaller boards than my days in the surf! Good POV and well composed. The black sand beach looks good against the white surf. Good result. TFS. Murray.

degani (2876) 2008-12-14 4:11

hi again Paul,
great picture, the sea desing its geometric lines in a perfect dance,interrupted by the thinking man, wonderful painting
kind regards
franco

Greg1949 (8507) 2008-12-16 4:13

Paul, as you point out sometimes there is that shot... This really is a great one from the compositional stand point but that you did the technicals perfectly also makes it worthy of note. The exposures on this could not have been easy with the extremes of black sand and white shiny water. Great shot.

Greg

JonteW (182) 2008-12-17 10:23

I like the composition! And the man gives excelent scale to the image. If I hide the man from the image it almost looks like a "macro"-shot. I would have loved it even more without the rough waves in the top of the image, but cropping buts the man a bit wrong compositionally. On the other hand, like this the image tells more...

darek1978 (11165) 2008-12-21 4:20

Hello Paul,
Very good composition, colours and great contrast between water, sand and surfer. Very precise title. Well done my friend! Thanks for sharing.
Warm regards and Merry Xmas!!
Darek

jstewart (1081) 2008-12-26 0:36

The best of your shots. Great vertical composition, and one can certainly feel the contemplation going on.
All the best,
John

Pascale (10100) 2009-01-02 13:18

Bonsoir Paul
Excellente composition ,très minimaliste comme j'aime.le cadrage est parfait et le surfeur juste placé où il faut .Bravo aussi pour le WS
J'ai choisi cette photo très poétique pour te souhaiter une très belle année
Bonne soirée
Pascale

salvator (18763) 2009-01-05 2:23

Hi Paul,
Very nicely composed with superb sharpness and details, and wonderful colors. The red surf is surely an eye catcher, with wonderful blue and white.
Best regards. Salvator.

aadilj (17950) 2009-01-06 0:38

I mustve missed this jewel in your gallery. the shot has been so beautifully composed and so well handled. the shimmering sands are superb Paul

banyanman (7716) 2009-01-19 6:18

Yes it's great when shots appear like this, Paul, I've been lucky like that a few times (although more often than not it happens the other way when someone walks into your shot that you don't want there! I like how you have composed (or cropped this) and how the surfer is positioned in the image. You are lucky also that he was carrying a red board - adds a nice splash of colour to the image. Cheers . . . David

flory (4804) 2009-02-20 0:31

hi dear Paul,
now ,the women from TE must to be happy:)tks for the bonus,too.
you did well click-click,nice zig-zig of the waves.
good week-end,
Flori:)

IgorDeleze (9247) 2009-02-24 4:37

Hello,
Excellent framing and compo.
The waves lines make a great graphism.
Greetings.
Igor

juliettecorvett (269) 2009-07-23 9:41

a real masterpiece! wonderful colours, great composition.

regards, juliette

CLODO (4078) 2009-08-10 2:35

Hi Paul
Nice shot of a surfer asking him if he can go to the sea, because the sea is really rough!
In the South Wses of France, there are also a lot of surfers. I will post soon (after my SUMMER) vacations some pictures
regards
CLODO