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The thick fog surrounding the bridge alternated between being a thick soup to a golden veil as it swirled around on this morning. Three foghorns echoed against the hills as some rather large ships passed by, causing me to have to run from this very low slippery spot during the lowest tide of the month at sunrise.
I wanted to show how it feels to be in this place over the years, with the constantly changing light, fog, ocean currents, and tidal conditions. But all in one shot. Sometimes the fog buries the bridge and hills, and sometimes it opens up to spotlight different elements. I was also very fortunate to have a few spotty clouds above it all to add more depth and better light on the fog below. That does not happen very often!
Taken from the north end of the bridge (Marin County - Sausalito), inside the bay, looking towards the pacific.
Details: 0.8 second exposure @F16 with 2 ND grad 0.9s at a 10am-4pm slant and spaced apart for an even graduation
| Title: | Foghorns |
| Username: | 
PatrickSmith |
| Uploaded: | 1 Oct 2007 - 3:32 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 17-40L @18 |
| Recording media: | RAW (digital) |
| Tags: | Architecture, California, Fog, General, Golden gate bridge, Landscape / travel, San francisco |
| Votes: | 232 |
Comments
The fogmachine man strikes again!
Amazing fog! Looks alomost real! LOL.....
It was so thick fog last night here, that I could have get lost, if I would have taken those famous 30 steps to sunset 
For real!!!
Mighty fine image, Patrick!
Jouko
pure class Patrick, from the swirly water to the light hitting the bridge, awesome!
A terrific atmospheric shot Patrick. I could almost hear the mournful sound of the foghorns. Great detail in the FG rocks rounds off a super composition.
Ron
Stunning image Patrick, knew as soon as I saw the thumbnail it had to be one of yours.
MikeA.
Thanks for looking!
LOL Jouko, that is all I get right now...fog or clear skies. Except for in this shot. Don't get lost in the fog! Here, it you get lost you can fall 300 feet off a cliff!
I'm fine John. Just enjoying good weather now and waiting for the dry season to end, and scoping out shots for when the light improves in the winter. ..and programming a lot. How are you doing?
Patrick
Well well is this not a stunning photograph, you were certainly there at the right time Patrick. Great work.
Scott
Absolutely stunning-- Love the colors and theforeground--
The luck of the day and you caught it wonderfully!
jennnnn
Stunning image Patrick. I will in SF next week for work. I hope to experience the same weather conditions and to have the time to take a few pictures of the Golden Gate
Superb all round shot Patrick - I particularly like the light under the fog on the right hand side. Must of been a great atmosphere that time of the morning with the foghorns going off!
Sarah *
Thanks for your comments!
Yes Jennnnn, very lucky!
Guillaume (ggruchet), drop me an email and I'll point you to the best spots.
Thanks Sarah, it really was a perfect morning... until I had to go to work! Work was okay, but not as good as being here of course - LOL!
Patrick
Excellent as ever Patrick, a fantastic mood to this one. Been a while since I was in SF. Is this from the the city side or from Marin county? At least that's what I think is the other side of the bridge from memory?
Phil.
100% superb, excellent and pretty damned good. Fog at the Gate is hardly a surprise, but this is mind boggling Patrick, the tip of the bridge bursting through the fog into such a wonderful blue sky with puffy wee clouds, perfect. (pause for breath).
You already had a wonderfully composed image with the bridge, and a great FG with all that movement in the water, plus the warm sunlight skimming the surface and onto the rocks.
Hello Pete, big image here....
All the very best Patrick, I'm proud to call you my friend,
Dougie
Striking sky with the fog swirling around the Bridge - wonderful work, keep them coming.
Thanks Gerry and Angela!
Phil, this is from the Marin side (just updated description).
Thanks Dougie. I'm glad you noticed all that detail. It was really difficult to capture all the elements cooperating! I've been working on this shot for a whole year.
Patrick
Its been said before and I can well imagine many more will say it, fantastic shot. I love the fog and the clear sky and the movement of water in the foreground, just amazing.
Stunning shot throughout, Patrick; amazing capture of the fog enveloping the bridge and then the superb sky above
Light, fog, rocks!! Yeah,but it's not the Peak District is it!! lol
Smashing capture Patrick, and the little patch of swirling water in the f/g works a treat.
Martin
Thanks danialle, Alan, Rob and Malcolm!
True Martin it is not the peak district, and therefore you will not see a single Martin in this shot. It is a 100% Martin-free image!
Patrick
This site is sooooooooo slow again and think I know the reason??????? It´s YOU, Patrick!! Every time YOU upload a shot, this site IS down! LOL.........
Or is it only me down?? LOL........Down by the LAITURI 
Jouko
'Tis another beauty Patrick.....really love all the drama going on in this. The light touching the foreground is pretty special too
Debbie
LOL - Yes Jouko things are slow today, but If I upload my super long night exposure over the ocean, everyone will fall asleep!
Thanks Debbie!
Patrick
The master at work. We try but everything else is just an imitation.
Rowan
Love that hanging mist Dangerman,nice drop of light on the slippery rocks Now you be careful,I have already told you we don't want any mishaps!!
Janet
a beautiful shot Patrick, the combination of fog and the sky is just wonderful,
Chris.
Thanks for your comments!
Thanks Rowan, can I possibly live up to that? It doesn't seem that way when I'm sliding around on green rocks!
No sleeping Jouko... not until I show you the shot! Then off to Zzzzz'ville you go.... Looking at it now....
Well, Janet you will be happy to know that I only suffered minor cuts and abrasions trying to get out of this slippery place before a series of waves struck! Oh, and yes the camera is fine...
Thanks Greg, it is hard to get the elements to cooperate sometimes!
Glad you liked it Chris.
Patrick
Everything works in this shot Patrick.....you even had clouds!
gill
Not quite sure why you don't pick up more HC and EC awards. This is at least a HC for me with fab detail and well controlled exposure.
Dan
Thanks for your comments!
LOL Gill, yes sometimes we get a few real clouds during the dry season. Actually there are some nice puffy cumulus outside, but they probably will disappear before nightfall.
Not sure either Dan. He tends to like the more unusual artsy sorts of things.
LOL Paul, I'll keep trying! Actually now the trick is trying to figure out a decent way to sell the prints. They do well by word of mouth so we will see. I sold 40 last weekend at a Arts and crafts faire.
Thanks Lisa and Ken,
Patrick
I'm still hurting from the last one Patrick lol, great use of the weather conditions makes for a wonderfully dream-like scene, very fine image, Adrian
To expand on my earlier comment..... really like this Patrick, some lovely detail throughout with an interesting fg and bg... )
Ange
This has gotta be one of your best Patrick. I love the hint of Goldengate Bridge peeping through the mist. But the blue cotton wool dappled sky makes it even more impressive
Mike
I hate flying, I really do but to photograph this bridge in these conditions might just make me overcome that fear.
And maybe Yellowstone.
Super work Pat.
Hello there Patrick.. beautiful work as is expected from your good self Hope you are well.
Jeanie
I know you sometimes yearn for the skies and clouds we get in the UK Patrick. Lets face it though, these are stunning conditions, and you have done them proud. Love the light on the rocks bridge and fog, and the sky above.
Nigel
Thanks for looking!
LOL adrian, I'll try not to hurt you next time! Something boring perhaps??
Ange, send me a few clouds and all is forgiven..lol.
Thanks Mike, whenever we get something on top of the fog, I try to get out there.
C'mon out Kris, I'll show you around. In a car of course - LOL!
Yes, Jeanie, I'm well. Still a little wet from an adventure this morning (I'm at work now) but well. Good to see you out and about around here now!
Thanks Nigel. Yes these are great conditions but it rarely happens, despite the shots I put up here. You should see how boring the skies are normally!
Patrick
great capture & composition Patrick, the combination of fog and the sky gives this a great atmosphere.
well done
great portfolio by the way
Ash
Wow what else can be said Patrick brilliant
Brian.......................
I like the fg light and colour from the moss on them, the low cloud that covers the bridge looks so nice with the blue sky above
Sean
Thanks Ashley, Peter, and Alex (Vulcan)!
Sean, I liked that too.
Patrick
A fantastic shot Patrick,love the mood and light in this one.Wonderful.
Mo.
A superb capture, Patrick, glad you were able to find some decent sky to work with... and you have certainly put it to very good use. You know, I could really use those rocks in the foreground out my way.
Eric
A beautiful image, with stunning colours, brilliant sharp details all the way into the distance, and perfect exposure control.
Well done Patrick....
Cesie
good movement in the foreground and i like the ghostly appearance of the bridge in the fog, i will be visiting this location later when the clouds get more reliable.
Thanks for your comments Mo, Gary and Keith! I watch this area every morning on the way to work. If the light looks good, I get to work a bit late! This was the best light in months and I had planned on where to go at low tide.
Sorry about the rocks Eric. You may have to travel farther for better rocks. Plan a trip or vacation if you can. I know, how often is that possible?
Thanks Cesie!
I'll tell you exactly where this is Terry if you can't find it. You have to go over that little cliff. Watch out, it is steep and slippery!
Patrick
Beautiful image Patrick, you should take pics for the American tourist board.
Steve
I'm sure it's all been said, but a very classy shot Mr S.
cheers
Wonderful photography - takes it to another level to be honest
Richard
Hey Patrick,
I about fell over laughing when I read Jouko's comments, the fog looks almost real.....He is way too funny!
And speaking of Trouble.....You are just the little instigator these days, so don't even try to hide within your Foggy California Bay Bridge.....LOL!
WOW, you only used a 0.8 second exposure, guess NO naps when you got this shot and what a shot.....It appears to be almost 3-D, you Truly are 'The FogMaster'.....
This is definitely one of my Faves!
I'll bet you missed those little Happy Faces in between writings, 'eh???
LOL!
Good to see you back as well.....
Lotsa Hugs,
Suzieeeee
Another head turner Patrick.
It's photography of this inspirational standard that made me want to take it up in the first place.
Hats off to you,
Dave
Quote: 100% Martin free
LOL. You may have your bridge, but we have our cement works :-P
A stunning image Patrick.
Thanks for looking!
Good idea Steve. I may try that.
LOL Suzan, Me? Instigate? Jouko gave me a PhotoShop fog plugin program that blows fog into my shots! Yes, this exposre was a bit too short to take a nap, unlike the half-hour I did the other night. Happy faces? Um...yes I missed them... It's good to be back.
Yes Martin, in addition to the being a 100% Martin-free image, this is also a 100% cement works free image! Actually we do have a cement works but the valley does not fill up with fog like yours, so it would be a rather boring shot.
Patrick
must say this is a cracker love all aspects of this shot
very very well taken indeed
Absolutely stunning shot, everything about it is excellent.
Simply brilliant. Annette
Quote: Absolutely stunning shot, everything about it is excellent.
Simply brilliant. Annette
Ditto. Martin
That is all fabulous but your spotty clouds put the icing on the cake!
David
You've certainly captured a lot of conditions in the shot Patrick as you intended, a superb image as always
Mari
Thanks for looking!
Yes David, the clouds were an extra bonus and rarely is there fog AND clouds at the same time.
Patrick
Brilliant shot, Patrick. I love the way the sky is above the fog.
Ted
Seems like perfect conditions! It is truly an amazing picture. Can't stop looking at it. Absolutely one of my favorit amongst your work. Just brilliant!
Personally I think you make your own luck with photography by getting out there and taking the risks on the weather and judging by your pf and this image in particualr you definitely deserve it Patrick. Stunning!
Dan
Amazing shot Patrick - my words cannot do this the justice it deserves. My only small criticism is the amount of scrolling down necessary before I can make a comment !!!
Ian.
Thanks for looking in!
You're probably right Dan. I do spend far too much time trying to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes it works out. But nobody sees the dismal failures where I don't even take the camera out of the bag!
LOL Ian!
Patrick
Amazing image Patrick, to see the bridge shrouded in fog/cloud. wonderful work
C
WOW -great combination here, PAtrick - seeing the fog mixed with the sparsley cloudy blue sky
Great capture
Mike
Hi Patrick, still going strong hey? Stunning images, thanx, M, (*_*)
Thanks for looking!
(Googling the Tamar bridge...)
I see two of them, which one? Both? We have a couple of places where two bridges similar to these cross over the bay. I'm not sure what to do with them!
Patrick
Hey Patrick, how are things?
I see the fog is back. That's quite a combination of weather all in one shot, very nicely done.
Marc
Quote: (Googling the Tamar bridge...)
I see two of them, which one? Both? We have a couple of places where two bridges similar to these cross over the bay. I'm not sure what to do with them!
LOL, it was ment as a joke Patrick. They are impressive structures in their own right, but nothing like this.
Incidently, the 'Tamar' bridge is the suspension bridge (road), and the Royal Albert (built by Brunell) is the train one. You can photograph whichever you like.
Hi Marc, I'm doing well. Haven't had much time for photography as I was writing a big program. Now I'm burned out on programmig!
LOL Matt, but it is an amazing coincidence because I was just the other day trying to figure out to shoot those other bridges. Maybe they are not as impressive but still difficult to shoot! A new 11,000 foot long bridge is being built on the east side of the bay so I'll have plenty more to shoot!
Patrick
Quote: LOL Matt, but it is an amazing coincidence because I was just the other day trying to figure out to shoot those other bridges. Maybe they are not as impressive but still difficult to shoot!
What the Tamar ones?
They are on my doorstep, and I have still yet photograph them properly (it's on my list honest!).
Quote: A new 11,000 foot long bridge is being built on the east side of the bay so I'll have plenty more to shoot!
But will it have the majesty of the Golden Gate?
Thanks Kin and Nick!
The Tamar ones Matt? I wish!
No, maybe it won't have the majesty of the Golden Gate, but it will be over twice as long with better changes for reflective water I think.
Check this out!
This is not the suspension part of the bay bridge, but the other part shown in the distance.
Patrick
Nice to see you on here again...now get that program flogged (that means sold)
Nothing more can be said about your work except this should be a EC. and a HC and a GOE and a POTW
Looks well to me Partick...
Nice light and comp too..
Love to spend some time there myself one day
Dave
Thanks for looking!
I'll give it a shot Chris. So far, so good.
I wish Danny! (TripleDshake34)
You'd like it Dave.
Patrick
A culmination of so many elements captured to perfection but for me the fluffy clouds above that band of fog is special.Fabulous work Patrick your effort was well rewarded.
Brian.
Well taken and explained shot Patrick...beautiful shot of a fantastic view....
Don
I keep coming back to this for another look. You definitely have achieved what you planned in showing the different ways the weather affects the Bay area. Brilliant and very masterful.
Hi Patrick,
An absolutely magnificent shot. Great to see such stunning work.Take care.Ann
Thanks for stopping by!
I did try to show a lot in a single shot so I'm glad you like it.
Patrick
Hi Patrick, sorry for only just catching up! This is wonderful, I love the composition and light falling on the bridge as well as the fluffy clouds hiding above the fog!
Charlotte
LOL Charlotte, I'm glad you finally have your priorities straight. All that uni stuff is taking valuable EPZ time away from you!
Patrick
Well I've been thinking maybe I could change my degree to 'the art of clicking and commenting on ePhotozine'...!
Great idea Charlotte. Now the trick is figuring out how to make money at it!
Patrick
I see your pictures are as unpopular as ever then! It took me 5 minutes to get down here to leave a comment...
Stunning,
John
An outstanding image Patrick, this must have been some sight to behold
Wonderful shot Patrick. Different one's to what I got when I was there, shame I wasn't into photography at the time.
Chris
Cracking image there Patrick - 1st class as always. Dont worry Chris - I wasnt into photography when I was there either, nor when I was at yosemite, grand tetons, yellowstone, badlands, bryce, grand canyon, arches or during the 12yrs I spent in africa grrrr.....
Thanks for dropping by!
I know what you guys mean. I only got into photography a couple of years ago. I wish I had dont' it earlier!
Patrick
A monumentally impressive image - very pleased to give you a double century score!
Allie
Amazing scene with so much to look at and not always obvious..very special photography.
Di
Superb!
Well done, and glad you escaped the waves - things like that can be very treacherous.
Goggz
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