Corolla Sunrise Photo

Photographer’s Note

COROLLA SUNRISE

Some of the best beaches on the East Coast of the United States are found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Beach towns with storied names like “Nag’s Head,” “Duck” and “Timbucktu” are strung along the length of the Outer Banks, in the manner of a sparkling pearl necklace. Historically, the most significant of the towns is also one of the smallest — Kitty Hawk — where in December of 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first heavier-than-air flight, launching an industry that literally took off. Sixty-six years later, astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin, walked on the moon. (July 20, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of Mankind achieving this astonishing landmark.)

Between June 28 and July 3, my family spent a week in the town of Corolla in the Outer Banks, savoring the almost perfect weather. On the morning of our departure for Virginia, we drove out to a desolate beach north of Corolla. In the absence of any roads, the area is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. Even then, my Honda-CRV managed to get stuck in the sand more than once. By 9:00 am, clouds began to roll in — portending the approach of distressed weather and signaling the end of the clear skies. When I saw the sunlight breaking through an opening in the clouds, however, and creating a sunburst effect, I pulled over to shoot a series of images. And, of course, the car got stuck! But how much more beautiful a scene can be with clouds rather than just clear blue skies!

The last photo I posted had featured a flock of pelicans, "Pelican Brief". In the present photo I am interested in showcasing the sunburst effect and the shimmering reflections on the wet sand, the pelicans having flown out of view.

I have decided to create a theme of Moods of the Sea with this image as the first in the collection.

I shot the photo in RAW-mode using a Nikon D200, 18-70 mm lens.

bakes888, daddo, jhm, feather, BeBeHooker, ciakgiak, phwall, dareco, jafadabret, JCG, Royaldevon, cobbydale, ChrisJ, paololg, leonorkuhn, belido, macondo, yedirenk, shevchenko, ahmetgedikli, meltemi, gunbud, Buin, isabela_sor, papagolf21, MLINES, Didi, photoray, cunejo200, BWJ, paura has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snunney (34800) 2009-07-18 1:04

Hello Bulent,
A beautiful study in light beautifully presented. What more can I say other than that I really like it a lot.

bakes888 (18165) 2009-07-18 1:11

Hi Bulent. Remarkable light and beautiful cloud formations. Well worth the stop to shoot. You have managed the light well and balanced the composition to accentuate the FG reflections well also. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

daddo (11328) 2009-07-18 1:22

Merhaba Bulent Bey. This scene reminds me of the many photos I had taken and the few I had posted of the endless beaches on the NSW coast near Coffs Harbour.It is a challenge to shoot towards the sun in order to capture the shimmering world below. You have done a splendid job here, retaining the details and the subtle nuances of hues within the apparent uniform greyness of the sea. Regards. Klaudio.

jhm (82421) 2009-07-18 1:38

Hello good morning from Belgium Dear Bulent,

Two excellent parts in these lovely picture.
In foreground the soft white waves, I hear these sea to here!
Also the wonderful sky with imminent clouds. Splendid panorama sight with a wonderful point view about the sea.
An excellent composition high quality, sharpness and clarity are superb. TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

feather (49858) 2009-07-18 4:14

Even without the addition of the pelicans I prefer this image to the previous one. I'm not sure why, as they both have the 'God's Rays' that I love so much. I live close to the beach and I think it has something to do with the familiarity.......the breaking waves, especially in the beam of light in the centre.....the reflected light on the wet sand....the lacy pattern in the shallows. Yes.... I think it's the inclusion of the wet shore that makes me prefer this one.
A good little series.
Kath

BeBeHooker (5452) 2009-07-18 4:59

Hi Bulent!
Amazing sunrise. Wonderful seascape. Original minimal capture.
Good frame.
Cheers!

danyy (68672) 2009-07-18 13:11

Bonjour Bulent,
des lumières magiques et une ambiance dans laquelle je rêve d'être plongé en vrai.
Un contre jour osé , mais le prix remporté est de choix, des reflets pariculiers, bien rarement exposés.
Belle prouesse teschnique.
Amicalement.
Daniel.

ciakgiak (10666) 2009-07-18 14:09

Hello Bulent,
I really think that this is a great photo.
I love this silver sea and the reflections on FG, I also love the waves and the rays of the sun that illuminate te scene.
I think this is an outstanding seascape.
Have a great Sunday.
Friendly regards
Giorgio

phwall (5556) 2009-07-18 15:47

Hello Bulent,
What makes this shot for me is the wet sand in the immediate foreground, the reflection of the sky and the dark colouring is particularly beautiful.
The added bonus of course are the rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds.
A fine high quality capture.
Regards
Peter

dareco (17104) 2009-07-18 22:37

Very moody!! and VERY beautiful!!! The lighting and reflections are so pretty, and the waves look great!! I like that we are able to see the rays coming down. TFS

jafadabret (39541) 2009-07-18 23:15

Bonjour Bulent.
Cette photo est une réussite. J'aime la lumière, le ciel, la mer et les reflets sur le sable mouillé.
Une photo qui mérite d'être contemplée !
Bon dimanche !
Jacques

JCG (25263) 2009-07-19 1:28

Hello Bülent,

Very beautiful photograph which comes to supplement your preceding catch of sight, and as Kath my preference will go on this one because I like much this light which is reflected on this wet sand giving a very appreciable depth to the image. Moreover softness of the rays of light on the ocean is very pleasant. Much poetry in this photograph, well done Bülent, thank you.

With all my friendships and very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles

Royaldevon (5926) 2009-07-19 2:04

Hello Bulent,

This is the sort of photograph that you just enjoy looking at! No need to disect, just love the play of light on the water, the sand and the clouds.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

cobbydale (1924) 2009-07-19 6:11

Hello Bulent, this is a simple yet stunning shot. I love the reflections, and the lighting generally is wonderfully managed. James Taylor's song comes to mind here - "in my mind I'm gone to Carolina"!
cheers
Leon

emka (21331) 2009-07-19 7:17

Hi Bulent, this time without any birds, no pelicans or sea gulls, but beautiful photo. I like such a wet sand on the beach when it reflects the sky. The sunburst effect is amazing here and the colours are very delicate. Inviting place not only for photos, It would be nice to take a bath here as well provided water is not too cold. Impressive waves. Nice frame.

Warm regards

Małgorzata

I have read lately that the letter ł in my name it is ł = l/2π.

ChrisJ (70165) 2009-07-19 8:12

Hi Bulent

A wonderful downward radial pattern of sunbeams, emanating from above. Good reflections, with wonderful sharpness, graphism & light contrasts. Tfs!

Wandering_Dan (3219) 2009-07-19 10:05

Merhaba, Bulent -

Kath has a good point: while the pelicans added a bit of interest, from a photographic perspective the wet, reflective shore makes this a better photo. There is an element of infinity and of the divine seen here, making it kind of inspirational.

Best,
Dan

jurek1951 (25952) 2009-07-19 11:09

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

Vasa (5500) 2009-07-19 11:52

Your two last pictures have the so dramatic dimension. If it is not for bath, it is a superb moment for your nikon, dear friend Bulent!

So glad to see you again. Friendly your

Branko

paololg (13717) 2009-07-19 13:22

Ciao dear friend,
before writing this comment I have admired this image a few minutes, to be able to enjoy of all the beautiful feelings that this photo gives me.
This photo approaches to God, independently from the type of religion, it makes us meditate on how much beautiful is the world that it surrounds us. Marvelous the color silver of the reflexes. Compliments, dear Bulent, another pearl is added to your gallery and to your new theme.
Ciao, have a beautiful week!
Paolo

Greg1949 (8507) 2009-07-20 3:28

In a couple of weeks I am going to be just south of here, I am going to Morehead City, and with luck I will bring back some as lovely as this. The detail here Bulent is awesome, I especially like the fg detail in the receding wave, great stuff you present us.

Greg

leonorkuhn (13559) 2009-07-20 4:28

Hi Bulent,

I like very much this beautiful effect created by the sun rays through the clouds. Some areas of water and sand are directly lit and others are in the shadow. This results in a fascinating composition, very well done.

Have a nice week
Leonor

belido (16411) 2009-07-20 4:39

Hi Bulent,

simple and effective shot. This is trully moody. The effect of the rays over the water is an eye catcher. You chosen the right colors/lights. I like its naturality. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

macondo (13079) 2009-07-20 5:29

Hello Bulent.
A stunning yet almost muted shot, with some restraint, I imagine, being shown in the post processing where others might have opted to boost contrast and saturation in trying to emphasise the highlights (eg. the clouds and waves) and especially the sun's rays fanning out from their source out of the picture. I like the delicate and subtle reflected light on the water. Very nicely done, with your usual fascinating note.
Regards,
Andrew

yedirenk (7331) 2009-07-20 12:38

merhaba Bülent hocam,
olağanüstü bir görüntü bu.dalgaları,ışık huzmeleri ve yansımalarıyla şahane bir tablo gibi.oldukça dramatik ve dinamik.ve muhteşem bir sonsuzluk hissi veriyor..ellerinize sağlık.selamlar,sevgiler

Cevdet

shevchenko (9900) 2009-07-20 19:19

Hi Bulent,
Impressive color and lighting to show seascape at a cloudy morning, attractive smooth sand on the beach reflecting the soft sunlight just look like metal surface, distinct photo in poor lighting, good shoot.
Ally

ahmetgedikli (21857) 2009-07-21 11:41

Bulutlar arasından süzülen ışığın ve dalgaların suda oluşturduğu görünüm şahane hocam.
Ellerinize sağlık, saygılar.
ahmetgedikli

asajernigan (14098) 2009-07-21 12:05

Bulent,
You captured nice lighting here with the streaks in the sky. The sun streaks add nice lines to the photo. The colors are fine with multiple layers of gray. The definition of the clouds is fantastic.
TFS,
Asa

gunbud (27819) 2009-07-21 17:46

Hi Bulent,
Beautiful moment capture here with the brilliant rays of light coming from the heavens and settling on the silver surf.
Love the reflection of the clouds on the wet sand of the retreating surf.
Regards. Tp,

isabela_sor (42097) 2009-07-22 22:30 [Comment]

Show Comment

mauro61 (15422) 2009-07-23 8:12

ciao Bulent,
immagine di grande effetto con il sole che filtra la sua luce attraverso le nuvole.
Ottima la tonalità morbida e la perfetta definizione, bravo
saluti
maurizio

papagolf21 (56305) 2009-07-23 13:39

Bonsoir, mon bon ami Bulent,
La nature nous offre des moments d'une réelle beauté, encore faut-il savoir saisir ce moment fugace.
Et là, le résultat est magnifique, cette composition devrait inspirer de nombreux peintres avec ces merveilleuses couleurs et ces vagues crachant leur écume.
Amitiés.
Philippe

pablominto (40578) 2009-07-23 23:14

Hello Bulent,

The end of the vast ocean is well depicted, in particular I like the play of light!
The moist air allows us to actually see the sunbeams, which adds a fine effect...
Good definition and interesting colour palette!

Greetings,
Pablo -

MLINES (10872) 2009-07-24 0:05

Hi Bulent. Good to see this new theme which is of course almost limitless, thanks to the variery of coastlines, lighting and the photographer's ideas. The rays of the sun coming down as an inverted crown and the ideal horizontal split makes this a timeless composition. TFS, Murray.
PS. I plan to contribute to your theme,having just visited Boracay, a wonderful beach in Philippines.

TGULUMSER (12512) 2009-07-24 3:48

Bulent Hocam merhaba,
That shot is really fascinating, I admired it. I suppose that you did not receive my e-mail. I sent it to your personal e-mail address that you wrote to my http://beta.trekearth.com/gallery/photo1050380.htm photo. Can you check it once again please? Hope to hear from you very soon,
Best regards,
Tulay

rodgerg (23957) 2009-07-24 4:41

Hello Bulent,

A superb image and an incredible managment of light. The paly of light in the sky but too in the sea is very well collected. Very nice colors too and beautiful contrasts.
Have a nice day,
Roger

mavikuzey (360) 2009-07-24 5:49

Merhabalar Bülent Bey.
Yazın ve denizin bütün güzellikleri var ama birazda korkutucu:)).Elinize sağlık..

Bluejeans (32173) 2009-07-24 11:15

Ola amigo ,
Linda esta foto a beira mar os tons de azul e prata ficaram magníficos , gostei muito da luz solar a passar pelas nuvens originou um belo momento ,parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

Didi (36074) 2009-07-24 11:19

Hello dear friend
This one is more brilliant because there is av ery nice and deep foreground.
Very nice lights on the rough sea.
Best and warm regards

anesugur (16826) 2009-07-24 14:48

Bu yıl henüz denizi hiç görmedim. Bu güzel fotoğrafınız deniz özlemimi biraz daha arttırdı. Ama izne ayrılmama on gün kaldı.
İyi bir hafta sonu dileğiyle. Uğur

photoray (1276) 2009-07-24 17:03

Hello Bulent,

As with everyone else a magical composition, basic, with sun rays radiating the ocean and sand.

Good job,
Ray

emjleclercq (14270) 2009-07-25 23:39

A grey sky over a dark beach, but very nice light effects from the filtering rays of light.

All the best,

Emmanuel

Graal (57821) 2009-07-26 3:34

Hi Bulent,
very nice seascape, amazing sun rays, reflections and waves. Good note. Well done photo.
Gr.,Aleksander

cunejo200 (7157) 2009-07-26 10:10

Hello Bulent,
I have great admiration for photos and photographers who can capture light. Fantastic rays of light, the silvery hues are to my liking. I was about to say the image would be more complete with a silhouette or a boat, but the overall quality is high - it does not need extra elements. I shall continue perusing your gallery for photo ops ideas. Regards.
Danilo

BWJ (1773) 2009-07-28 7:55

Hello Bulent,
An outstanding success capturing the sunburst effect and the reflections on the wet sand! The lighting and colors are superb. Your new theme “Moods of the Sea” is very nice with a wonderful variety of photos. I greatly admire your work on TrekEarth both the photography and the lessons you teach us with your descriptions.
Kind regards,
Betty

Angshu (33627) 2009-07-28 21:58

Hello Professor 'A'
Simple but eye catching picture of the radial beams of the sun hitting the water, through the clouds. The additional point of interest is the reflection of the clouds on the wet sand. Exposure has been very well managed.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

anokutan (7577) 2009-07-30 0:13

Bülent bey merhaba,
Tablo gibi bir kare.Kompozisyon mükemmel.Işığın hüzmeleri kareye çok şey katmış.Tebrikler.

archimatica (13262) 2009-07-30 1:38

Ciao Bulent.
Exceptional technique, the photo makes the place beautiful and the sunset. Great tutorial style!
Regards
Renzo

dvlazar (6476) 2009-07-30 23:15

Nice beach shots - i like this one for it's lighting. The dramatic rays are always nice to look at in beach photography.
Dave

kdialyna (3068) 2009-07-31 0:42

As you know I live in an island and pictures like that is something usual for me.
BUT
I will be never full for the pleasure that these pictures give to me.
Very nice shot Bullent, you captured all the beauty of the moment.
I like very much the dark tones of the sea that gives something threatening to the all situation.
My best wishes
Kostas.
PS.I would like to know Bullent the date you will arrive gin August to Piraeus. Probably I will be in Athens and I will try to meet you.
You can sent me an e-mail.

paura (38310) 2009-08-02 7:41

Bullent,
Supperb lighting management here. Colours and watter surface reflections are also great. well done.

Any news from your trip to Rio?

Regards

Paulo

meltemi (9746) 2009-08-03 4:10

Hello Bulent,
perfect title, because that is what it is all about here: capturing that light. And you managed splendidly. Really thoughtful combination of this soft diffuse light against the power of this sea ... love the way you have composed the vastness and shown the drama in the waves.
I like also how the glow is catching the waves closest to the beach and the beach itself.
Very beautiful.
All the best.
Stella

jmcl (13741) 2009-08-03 14:42

Hi Bulent,

The dimension created by the textures of the waves and clouds is wonderful .. the play of light is wondrous .. I love the emptiness .. tremendous!!

take care,

John

michelleknight (31) 2009-08-16 9:48

Hello Bulent
Beautiful image. I love the silver, almost metallic look of the sand. Beautiful, simple & stunning.

Michelle

jwillie44 (1177) 2009-09-04 13:59

beautiful and ominous
well done
hope all is revolving nice and smoothly in your world
regards
michael

halikarnas (2253) 2009-10-23 9:04

Bülent Bey,
Sanatçılar ilgigç insanlarmı? Biri Resme bakıp beste yapar,kimi müzik dinler şiir yazar,kimileri 'ruhunu dinlemek için ormanlarda yürüyüş yapar (Beethowen gibi) kimi tabiatı,uçan kuşları,ölmüş insanları inceler (Leonardo Usta gibi).Kimi eserlerinde hep ölümle final yapar, yağlıboyadan nefret eder(hayatında tek yağlıboya yapmıştır;Kutsal Aile) Ölümsüz düşünçeleri yoktur Michel Angelo'nun.
Eğer Çaykovski bu fotoğrafı görseydi,İtalyan Kapriçyosu'nun adını 'Fotoğraf Ustası Batanay'a diye başlayan bir yazı ile 'COROLLA SUNRİSE' ADINI VERİRDİ.
Muhteşem bir fotoğraf,Işık ve Dalga ikilemi,kumsaldaki gölgelerin hakkını vermek için ben kelime bulmakta zorlanıyorum.Bu sebeble Çaykovski'ye sığındım,benim duyduğum hisleri anlamanız için.
Bir sanat eserini (Sizin Fotoğrafınızı seyrederken) diğer bir sanat eserinden bahsetmeden edemiyorum.Güzel Sanatların Güzelliği işte bundan muazzam hislerle dolu.Sayın Üstat,tebriklerimi lütfen kabul ediniz.
Tebrikler,sağlıklı günler.
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