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Sunset at Pfeiffer Beach, 130 miles south of San Francisco.
This is one of my favourite rock formations and it took over a year to get this shot. Mostly because it is 50 miles from nowhere, and only in winter is this shot possible because of the angle of the sun. Usually I wait for low tide at sunset, but high tide is more dramatic in this situation. The unusual back lighting is the result of a large cliff behind me reflecting sunlight onto the rock face. Only for about 1 minute was the light even enough to get detail on the rock, on the water and through the portal. Most of my shots before and after this one were too contrasty.
I was able to 'salvage' some by using the pseudo-HDR method of reprocessing multiple exposures of the same shot. A couple turned out really well. But this is a 100% HDR free image!
Low tide does produce some good lighting conditions as it comes through the portal about 20 minutes before sunset. So I'll be back here to get those shots as well.
1/6 second exposure @F8 No grads
| Title: | Portal of the Sun |
| Username: | 
PatrickSmith |
| Uploaded: | 12 Feb 2007 - 3:44 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 24-105L @100 |
| Recording media: | RAW ISO 50 |
| Tags: | Big sur california, General, Landscape / travel |
| Votes: | 211 |
Comments
Wow, thats brilliant. The colours and drama in the water are amazing and a superb exposure. Paul
Superb as usual Patrick. The light on the rocks is exquisite.
Martin
great view of the sunset though the hole in the rock well captured and presented
arnie
Brilliant, supburb-- Do I see a hint of a sun inside the portal-- I am so envious-- would be sitting somewhere whenever I could trying to capture thru the rocks-- Excellent details this side, wonderful water-- thanks for the view!
Jennnn
This looks like a fantasy setting from a jim henson movie. Incredible detail and well composed 
Chris
Those rocks look good for climbing on.
Worth the wait, the sun looks fab between the rocks.
Hope you are well
Teresa.
"it took over a year to get this shot".
LOL. When on vacation in California in September I found the light at this spot here was always "wrong" - too harsh, too flat, too much spray etc...
If I remember correctly, it's quite difficult to find as it is down a dirttrack off the main highway
Steve
Drama in the sea, super rock formations, the view of the sunset through the portal, well worth the wait Patrick, this has it all.
C
Superb composition, love the sun showing through the arch..
Very nice.
Tony
This has that WOW factor, Patrick.....Perfect timing as usual, this is exceptional!!
Luv that sun peeking thru at you, I think it must have waited all day for the same thing, for the sun seems to be smiling right at ya...
Have a Wonderful day and stay out of trouble...
Cheers,
Suze
Magical capture of the sun through the portal and the detail in the rocks is stunning. You've timed it to perfection to catch the waves too....superb work.
Ali
this MUST be viewed large to appreciate the fine detail in the rock, I've been staring at this for ages and it just goes to show that such detail is possible without HDR.
Fantastic shot.
CLIX
The detail in the rockface is superb, the the shutter speed about right for the ocean too. I have to say having looked at some HDR stuff that non HDR shots like this IMO look a lot more natural, although i understand HDR is supposed to be the up and coming thing in photography, i'm not really a fan of it! keep 'em natural...oooh er missus 
This is a great shot with tones of detail and great lighting.
Well this is nice Patrick.. I like the capture of the sun through the arch.. great stuff.
Jeanie
excellent detail, i like your composition in positioning the sun in the archway.
Beautiful work - the view through the portal looks surreal - magical. Bruce
Superb image with excellent detail and colors. I love the detail on the rocks and the water splashing around. A pleasure to view.
Antonio
Fanatastic textures and a wonderful feel of the power of the sea Patrick.
Mark.
So much detail on the rock face, fabulous water action, a peeping sunset to die for; what a dream of a shot.
Allie
The thumbnail doesn´t do it justice!
THE LARGER VERSION IS A MUST SEE!!!
Patrickism at it´s best!
Jouko
Wow Patrick, the detail and textures you've managed to capture in the rock are just amazing and so interesting, a superbly timed shot!
Charlotte
Patrick, this is great viewed large! what a capture
brilliant
pete
When I saw the thumbnail Patrick I have to admit it looked crap. How wrong I was. The detail in the large version is stunning.Love the texture of those rock formations. Great composition too with the sun peeking through the hole.
Steve!
Fabulous textures and lighting. The rock looks just like an elephants skin to me, and I look forward to seeing the low tide version too, click, Mac
ps: Awesome PF
Thanks for your comments!
Yes Jen, I had to move around a bit as I was up against a cliff and the waves were quite large.
Teresa, I will be climbing around on the rocks but I'll have to wait for low tide. I'm doing well, just busy at work. Got some nice ones last night too. Thanks!
Steve, you are exactly right. There is a small unmarked winding road that takes you here. And the lighting can be rather difficult. And summer (April-October) is not a good time for shooting at the coast. No real clouds.
You're right Suzan, the sun does appear to be smiling! Trouble? Me?
Tony, on this one I did reduce the contrast a bit in the RAW file before processing. Then I brought it back a bit on certain areas. That retained detail in the darker spots and allowed the bright spots to not be blown out.
Terry, you'd be surprized. HDR can look really natural. But for here, one shot works best with the action of the water. In the future, one skill that people will need is the ability to see a scene and determine whether HDR is the way to go, or not. Just like when you decide to use ND grads. Once cameras can capture more dynamic range, HDR will become outmoded I think.
LOL Allie, it was a great sunset and there I was stuck behind this rock!
Jouko...'Patrickism?' LOL - Well, lots of photographers have taken shots here, but none are like this so who knows....
Can't find it in the pounding waves Kim!
E what Glynn?...lol...
You're right Steve. When I uploaded it and saw the thumb, I almost took it down because it looked like nothing, and I thougt it would get passed up. But I guess there is just enough in there to pique the curiosity.
Thanks Mac.
Patrick
The detail is very good and it's quite amazing how you've managed to get so much light on that rock face when facing the rising sun...do I like it though? - yes, it's probably the best you've posted regardless of how it was done.
If I had to have a crit it would be that it's very flat again, Patrick - even the waves lack any contrast
WOW Patrick to the large version!
Stunning,beautiful,top quality and another WOW!
This has to be my fav image of yours.
Just superb.
~Alley~
Wonderful rock formations Patrick, and movement in the sea both sides of the arch. Definitely have to see this in the large version though, if you can.
Quote: But this is a 100% HDR free image!
. . . I dont use the adjective "stunning" as I feel it's so over used here . . .
. . but this is outstanding! spectactular! . . I was preparing for the usual HDR explaination . . . but the quality of detail, lighting and tonal depth really is amazing! . . .
a wonderful and extraordinary piece of photography Patrick . .
Mike.W
Yes Keith, I'll probably adjust the curves/levels in spots now that I've looked at it for a while. It was nice to have that cliff for some good back lighting!
Thanks Mike. It was just a case of there being just a minute or so where the light cooperated.
Thanks Alley and Angela.
Patrick
A stunner Patrick, really love it. Can't believe the detail you've captured
john
My you have some patience.Stunning capture.To wait for the right conditions is a lesson to all of us.
Tom.
wow..amazing image, like you catured the sun and the detail textures of the rocks...bravo my friend.
alex
absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely must be viewed large
cracking shot
your patience has been rewarded in bucketfuls
Quote: That's some bloody cliff!!!!
. . thats wot I meant to say!
Mike.W
Thanks for looking!
LOL Keith, it is a nice one for sure!
Yes Tom, two other trips here ended up in dismal failure!
Thanks Ian, the thumb does not look very good and the 500 pixel version is only a little better. I do have a 1920x1200 monitor and a cropped 1920x1200 image as my screen saver. That looks even better!
LOL Mike. You would NOT want to fall off of it!
Thanks Ange. I'm doing well, though I'm at work right now and I missed a great sunrise.
Patrick
the detail is fantastic my immediate thought was great HDR work but corrected by your description...so great work and patience too
stunning shot, what incredible shapes and texture in that rock, truely wonderful pic...jojo
Your images blow me away Patrick.
A truly stunning piece of work.
Malc.
This hits really hard when viewed large. The detail is awesome, and you're the undisputed king of tides for me.
The thumbnail does nothing for this image, once it's opened and viewed large it is absolutely fantastic!!!!
The rock formation is great, looks a bit like trolls legs - superb image
christine
Beauty, drama, colour, and detail all rolled into one Patrick, awesome scene, Adrian
Thanks Freda, Malc, Jojo Adrien, and Scott.
Kin, actually I did do a Psudo-HDR on this one just to campare and the results are nearly identical. I'm trying to work out the details on when it is better to just create a few tiffs from an original RAW and when it is better to process the normal way. And I'd like to do a real HDR here, and will probably do one at low tide.
Martin, it just seems like like the tides are just as important as the light. Both must be right or it just doesn't work!
It was a long wait Pater!
LOL Christine. Yes it does. There are lots of pareidolic images in these rocks.
Patrick
Love the rock face, the light hits it just right to give it an ancient look and feel, excellent work! Spot on! Click!!!
Greg
Amazing detail on the rock face Patrick,love the angle of view,looks like another 'Dangerman' shot!You have caught the sun & those pretty pastels perfectly in the'doorway'
Janet
Now,this one i do like :0)
Dont know which is the best,the rocks or the water.Cracker of a shot and location.
Andrew.
Incredible textures and patterns, a bit like Gaudi architecture. Fabulous water movement in contrast; an amazing shot.
T*
A very appropriate title Patrick. Love the way you give off just a glimpse of the sun through the hole. Good movement on the water too
Mike
Congratulations on another beautifully crafted image Patrick, all those previous comments well deserved.
MikeA.
Wow!Absolutely a wonderful image,fantastic textures and patterns,love the movement in the water and colour,wonderful work.
Mo.
Patrick, the detail in the rock is amazing and it has so much character. You have captured a lot of action in the water. It pays to wait for the right moment. To get the exact seascape you wanted, you had to depend on the angle of the sun, weather conditions, and tide. That's what makes it a challenge. Good thing you were able to get to this location at this time.
This looked ok as a thumbnail,
Nice when I clicked it,
STUNNING when viewed large, if I could click twice I would
Steve
Have just had a play with this as someone said it lacked contrast, you can go about +13-15 but start to lose the shadow detail in the portal, as for if it improves it, thats subjective.
I have deleted it.
Thanks for your comments!
Yes Greg, this sandstone rock face is severly corroded!
Well Janet, I did have to 'move about' a bit to get this one!
LOL Boyd, the bit inside of the frame!
Yes T, it does have that look in a way.
Mike, it was a bit dramatic but I could not resist.
Dennis (Chamberlain), yes this one took a little perseverence and I wondered if I would ever get the shot I was imagining!
Patrick
Amazing rock formation Patrick, like the sea through the portal with the setting sun behind
Malcolm
Love it!
Its one of those images I could look at for a long long time.
Quote: LOL Boyd, the bit inside of the frame!
Big range from a single exposure Patrick. Can you explain?
I couldn't make out what this was from the thumbnail Patrick. Viewed large however, the textures and details on the rockface and movement in the water are excellent.
Nigel
Thanks for looking...and closely examining!
Okay Boyd, I took this with the brand new Canon 5D mk III HDR.
Well actually, the ocean was extremely rough but the sky was clear. So for just a minute or two before the sun went below the horizon, it was quite dim at my level (because of all the mist snd spray) while it was still bright on the cliff behind me. The sun is actually on the horizon in this shot. So there was a lot of light reflected onto this rock face. And even then I had to brighten the whole image except for the portal, and then dim the entire image including the portal to get the light levels to be more as I saw them with my eye.
Then as a comparison, I took the raw file and processed it 5 times in C1 at different light levels (from way overexposed to underexposed). Then I created 5 tiffs and created and HDR in PhotoMatix. After tone mapping and the creation of a tiff from that, the results are almost exactly identical to this result here.
But if you were to look at shots I took just a few minutes before and after this one, the range was way too much. Either the rocks were dark or the sun was too bright with no room in the middle. So your instinct is correct!
Yes Nigel, the thumb doesn't look like anything, and I almost didn't upload this because I thought it would be bypassed.
Patrick
Fantastic shot, textures, detail, lighting comp everything an image should be you've captured.
Mick
Hi Patrick
It's nice to see this on EPZ at last!
I knew it would go down well, it's such an unusual, original and well executed image.
One thing though - I've been comparing the large version here with the image on you website and your website version is definitely brighter.
Mike
Patrick this is superb. I have been sat here looking at the large image and I'm certain I can hear the waves beating thro. that opening. The detail on the cliffis terrific.
Ron
Thanks Mick and Ron!
Mike, you were right. I almost took it down because the thumbnail looked like nothing. And I have noticed that compression takes the colour and life right out of my shots. When I compare my original with the preview image when I 'save for web', there is a big difference. Especially when there is a lot of detail like here. It is almost like the compression algorithm thinks "since I can't compress detail, I'll compress colour."
I got a few really good ones last night that I'll put on the website later this week. Lots of big wave drama and finally a decent sky!
Patrick
Here is a 1280x1024 cropped version that looks a little better. Still has some compression dullness to it though. But not as much.
Patrick
I still find it amazing that the sun is so weak that it can be photographed crisply at 1/6@f8 and yet it gives off enough light to make the cliffs behind the camera give off enough reflective light to illuminate a whole cliff face up to daylight standard.
I read your answer, Patrick, but I'm still unsure as to whether this one exposure, several from one, or one image comprised of several...I still like it...I'm just confused by the science of it.
maybe it's just me and photography has advanced beyond my knowledge or I'm simply too old to get my head around it....
Amazing textures in the cliff face which have to be seen large.....fabulous image Patrick!
gill
Patrick amazing image, have seen other shots with a wider perspective of this archway, but like the way this composition forces your attention on that beautiful sandstone and caludron of a sea.
Maybe that framing is helping to give the wrong impression about the amount of available light?
Quote: I thought it would be bypassed.
. . we buy full size sensor cameras, pay additional fees to have the opportunity to upload bigger images . . and we sit around discussing the merits of "thumbs"? . .
. . am I missing something here ? . . .
. . . happens All the time
Mike.W
I don't think I've ever seen a shot like this Patrick! Don't really know what to say (not like me!!), apart from staggering. As Steve Butler said, the thumb didn't promise much, but when you get the large version open BANG, right between they eyes, and so much to admire and so much detail!
There, not bad for someone with not knowing what to say!!
Martin
Thanks Ian ...again and Gill.
Keith, 'Beyond your knowledge? I doubt it! It really is just one shot, with a lot of luck. I could not have done it in one shot with a shot just 2 minutes before or after. And even here, I had to take out some contrast in the raw file to get the brightest areas to not be overexposed. Then once I had the tiff file, I was able to get the brightness back up and some contrast too. But like I said, I did a 'several from one' thing on this one and it looks almost identical to this result.
You might be right Paul. I want to do something different with it. Most shots don't show the detail on this rock face but show light coming through the passageway. I have an idea about how to do that differently too.
Well Mike, the thumb does represent the overall composition, which is why some get noticed and others don't. And when I first saw the thumb for this shot, I did wonder whether anybody would be able to tell what it was. I don't think I would be able to tell if I hand't seen it myself.
LOL Martin. That does sum it up.
Thanks John and Chris!
Patrick
Patrick
Those rocks look like they're going to come to life any moment, superb shot!
breathtaking doesnt even come close!! this is a truly masterful piece of work
chris
The detail and colour from the rocks is stunning, couple that with the way you've captured the water makes for a great shot
Sean
I don't mind whether it's real or digitally lit! What I like is the movement in the water...magical. Must be seen large to appreciate.
Fabulous capture, wonderful detail on the rocks,especislly when viewed large.
Dot.
Nice Patrick - couldn't see what the fuss was till I saw it large - comes alive
Dave
Thanks for looking!
Cheers Pete. The lighting is real. And it only lasted for a couple of minutes.
Dave, I thought the same thing when I first saw the thumbnail!
Patrick
Superb photography, Patrick. Your dedication to obtaining such high quality images such as this is highly commendable.
Eric
Great shot... This is why I stick to wildlife..
Sorry i missed this yesterday patrick...
An outright stunner ... the larger image is impressively beautiful, awesome detail, exquisite photography Patrick.
Joe
from the thumbnail I was expecting a very disappointing photo Patrick. Should have known better. the large version with the patterns and textures in the rocks is amazing
This was SO well worth the wait, Patrick. Nice soft lighting somehow capturing so crisply the rocks while giving the waves a nice frothy turbulence. Superb
Congrats on the HC!!
Andrew
Whoa! That's magnificent when viewed large. Struggling for superlatives. When asked 'would you like to go large?' there is only one answer.
Howard
Keep coming back to this shot Patrick, it's brilliant, bet it would look unbelievable printed really big.
john
Thanks for your comments!
Yes Koen, the thumbnail is definitely not the best!
LOL Edgar...
Glad you liked it Mister Chili Man!
John, It does look great when printed. I can get a 24x36 that looks very sharp and surreal.
Patrick
Tremendous image that once again owes to your knowledge and research of the prevailing conditions. Nick
This is incredible Patrick! It looks like some prehistoric scene...only thing missing is the dinosaurs ☼☼☼☼☼
Rob
Patrick, this is one of my favourite photos ever. The large version is breathtaking.
Well done on your HC
This is absolutely superb Patrick.
Definitely one of your best.100% HDR free I am very pleased to see. I know you are experimenting - thats got to be good, but compared to your last 2 pics this shot knocks them cold.imho.Quality image deserving of the HC.
Please don't tell me this would have been better in HDR !!!!
Brian.
Thanks for looking!
Yes Nick, I kept this place in my mind until finally had a chence to be here at the right time.
Yes Rob, it is like being in an ancient place.
Brian, you may be surprized but I did do a pseudo HDR version of this and it looks virtually identical. But this one required me to work on it a bit to get the lighting more even. I had to darken the bright spots to get back the detail. I exposed it so that the brightest areas were almost overexposed in the curves I could see in the camera. The HDR technique did it for me. So, sorry but it would be better as far as workflow goes!
Patrick
oh, this is outstanding!
The power of the waves, the timing to catch the sun through the hole!
The detail is just out of this world!!!
Perfect as usual Pat!!
Thomas
Youre the absolute best photographer on here IMO. I have NEVER seen an image of yours that I didnt drop my jaw!!! You take the time to set up your shots and know exactly how to use your camera. Youre truly an inspiration!!!!!! PLEASE keep em coming!!!
A fantastic capture Patrick, superbly composed. Well worth the wait. Congratulations on the HC.
Pete.
Wow - It's a long way down here Patrick! Everythings been said, but I think the detail that you've captured on the rocks is amazing and deserves an HC for that alone!
Sarah
Fantastic capture of the water movement. Love the comp with the sun too. Maybe this would have worked as a portrait comp too?
Another great image Patrick.
Mark
Thanks for looking!
Steve (LongDucDong), I wish you were right!
Mark, I do have some portrait versions but they had too much contrast even when I tried the pseudo HDR method. I only got a minute or two with this exact light. I'll have to go back.. poor me!
Patrick
Well worth the wait Patrick! the light is just fantastic and the detail in the rock face is wonderful. Superb shot.
Darren.
framed well patrick and the suble colour works real swell
Dave
erm...wow! the large version blows you away, the detail is amazing.
louise
Fantastic detail,and a great composition.
Congrats on your HC.
hayley
Another top notch landscape/seascape which realy comes alive when viewed large, I'd describe it as breathtaking.
Bill
Well done, your patience and technique have paid off yet again with another excellent image.
Simon
This is simply amazing, but the thumb does it no justice, I wouldn't have given it a lokk had I not come back to your pf. Inspirational work, you raise the bar for everyone.
The sharpness of the rock contrasts with the softness of the water. Superb as ever Patrick!
There are so many points of real interest in this amazing composition.I just keeping having to revisit it to make sure I have not missed anything.There are some truly amazing colours.
Alastair
This is such a fantastic shot, the detail is everywhere. Forget the HDR nonsense stick to what you are best at taking nature in the raw. This has to be one of your best nature landscapes shots ever. Thanks for taking the trouble to catch it for us to share.
it's only when you look at the large version you see the full potential of theimage.... a superb amount of detail makes a superb shot.....
Kevin
fantastic,amazing, wonderful, brilliant.....
I have run out of words to say - what a great shot!!
Kim
Hi Patrick,
You want to get danger money doing shots like this one,it looks like a really dangerous one.I hope you had someone with you to help if you got caught out in the waves.Saying that,this is a shot in a million,your new camera has done wonders above and beyond the call with your help.Love the beautiful scene through the arch,detail,motion,timing and the fluidity before it too,those waves are really something else.No one else will have this shot that's for sure.Patrick,you never fail to amaze me with your landscapes and the new heights you take them too.Jawdropping and a tremendous composition.
You stay safe,well as safe as you ever are.......lol,and Pete only gave you and HC,runs for cover.............
Take care.Ann
Absolutely fabulous! As are all your recent images.
Thank you for your support. Pam
Thanks for looking!
LOL John (mounters), because of that comment, I'll put up another natural one today.
Thanks Ann, I'ev seen several versions of this place where the photographers are trying to sell the prints for lots of money. But this is different. More wave action to come shortly!
You're welcome Pam.
Patrick
WOW!lOVE THIS!
Another excellent piece of work Patrick!
click
regards
chelseak
An exceptional image Patrick, this one fully deserves its HC award.
Amazing lighting/textures/tones on the cliff face and superb water movement capture... congrats on your HC
Karen
Good morning from Scotland Patrick, this is quite superb and deserves the amount of interest. Grand work and fine control. The cliff detail is gorgeous, your work as ever is very good indeed.
All the very best
Dougie
Thanks for your comments!
Hi Dougie. Watch out, Jeanie is heading your way!
Patrick
Well done on the HC! Very well captured and thought out shot.
Ted
this picture is so glorious i'm about to swear very loudly in appreciation!
excellent shot Patrick and very impressed by all the thought that has gone into capturing this moment
That's a heck of a photograph. The clarity of the rock face is stunning and the timing to get the sun through the arch is excellent. Top quality work, as is the rest of your p/f.
Alan.
Worth all the effort of it, Patrick.
Wonderful result. Thanks for the good description too.
Jan
A picture in a picture and great detail in the middleground. Great stuff Patrick
Hawk
Thanks for your comments!
I definitely wanted to show the turbulent waters.
Patrick
Good use of the natural reflector Pat. I seem to remember doing something similar a year or so back at Durdle Door and being questioned about it.
Yes Kris, I do remember that incident. There is a cliff there too that gets light at sunset.
Thanks Gary.
Patrick
I definitely agree that it needs to be seen large to be appreciated and it really comes into it's own. Just goes to show that patience really does pay off! Is it just me, or does that cliff face look like the scaly skin of some weird beastie?
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