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I have just returned from the North American Nature Photographer's Association convention in Florida. I had a great time. To get this shot, I used Google Earth to locate one of a few interesting spots along a 100 mile long stretch of featureless beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It is just mile after mile of beautiful white sand, but rather boring and the water was like a lake. So one of the meetings I attended ended at 5:30 and the sunset was 5:45, so I sat in back and got out a few minutes early and raced over to my spot and saw this scene. It is strange to have never been to a place, yet know exactly where to go. The dark layer is from a fire which was later washed out to the beach and covered with more sand.
I was chosen to gave a short presentation in front of about 700 people on the topic of "Luck in Photography." People seemed to enjoy it.
On the last night during the awards banquet with about 1,000 people in the auditorium, they had a Powerpoint slideshow cycling around of the best showcase images on a 30 feet movie screen. 6 of them were mine. So after all the presentations, I walked up to the table with 3 of the biggest National Geographic photographers (Robert Glenn Ketchum, Michael "Nick" Nichols, and James Balog.) They had each done unbelievable slideshows during the convention. They asked me what sort of photography I did, and just then one of my shots was on the screen. I pointed up and said "stuff like that", and one said, Oh, you're the guy that did those seascapes. We were talking about those, you have a great new way of looking at things! And another one said, I liked the one where.... and so on. That was a lot of fun!
The head photo buyer for Barnes and Noble saw my self-published book I made at Blurb.com and he gave me his card and told me that these photos would be perfect for his calendars. And I received lots of advice on how to proceed in business with my photography.
If it were not for all of the critiques I've had here on EPZ, there is NO WAY that anything like this would have happened. You guys have given me the confidence to walk right up to anybody and put the book in front of them and know they will like (at least some of) the work. So thank you very much!
20 second exposure @F16 with ND grad 0.9 + 0.75
I had to desaturate the reds to get back the detail in the reddest areas!
| Title: | Sand and Stream |
| Username: | 
PatrickSmith |
| Uploaded: | 10 Mar 2008 - 2:34 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 17-40L @17 |
| Tags: | Florida, General, Gulf of mexico, Landscape / travel, Sunset |
| Votes: | 202 |
Comments
Fabulous shot, Patrick. Super sky and colours.
Trust me to upload next to you on the gallery, I dont stand a chance now, as there is no comparison. Ah well !!!
Regards
Dot.
Great shot. I like the texture in the sand bank. Looks like you were lucky to get it ;o)
Don't worry Dot, I've thought the same thing and it has worked out fine. People still look at every shot!
You're right Mike. I lucked out on this shot because I did not realize that there would be that dark layer, and it really adds to the composition!
Thanks Graeme.
Patrick
Hi Patrick
Its sounds as if you had a fantastic convention meet and looking at the names you noted it must have been akin to mixing with royalty ( in the photo. world ) I dont think anyone on EPZ would be the least bit surprised at the quality of your reception. Its nothing more than you deserve; and this latest shot is a perfect example. Brilliant.
Ron
So glad everything went so well for you on your trip.. Sounds like you are getting with the right people to help you alongThis is yet again another stunning image...
Keep up the great work and I wish you all the best...
GOOD SHOT.You make your own look in this life.Fantastic Image Patrick regards Steve.
Sounds like you had a great time Patrick - good luck to you!! Awesome image - I particularly like the dark layer too, but what a sky!
Sarah *
That dark layer adds a lot to the already great image, superb sky. That is the little part off luck in photographing
Peter
Hi Patrick - mixing with the famous by the sound of it and good recognition for your photography too.Congrats.
Surprising that this vista with no apparent focal point should look so good.The sky is beautiful - the fire layer and the ripples take the eye nicely towards it.
Brian.
Thanks for your comments!
True Ron, It was a bit surreal to see all these famous photographers. I tried to act like it was no big deal and after a while I got used to it.
I hope so Dawn Michelle! In practical terms I just have to get out there and hope for the best.
You're right Steve.....
It was a great time Sarah. I didn't know anybody at first except for the late Galen Rowell's stock photography manager who lives in my home town, but I knew many people by the time I left.
Yes Peter, the dark layer was pure luck, so I made sure to make it prominent!
Thanks Bob.
Brian, I was a bit worried when I saw mile after mile of featureless sand, so this was the only spot that looked promising. In the summer wet season, there are more streams but not at this time of year. Yes, there is no one focal point so I made use of all of the converging lines to make it all about patterns and shapes.
Patrick
Magnificent shot, Patrick.
I've just happened across the thumbnail and thought this has "P. Smith" writ large on it!
Congratulations on the plaudits and publishing possibilities, and I hope fame and fortune follow forthwith! They'd be well deserved!
Well done.
All the very best.
Bill
congratulations on your time in the florida convention. This photo is wonderful as a seascape. With an amazing sky.
Thanks for looking in! And for the kind words too.
LOL Bill, I try to make them different but I don't seem to be able to fool anybody. Perhaps I should upload a B&W portrait? Actually I do want to do some B&W's but there are a few things that I need to learn before I put one up here!
Patrick
Your customary top class shot.Really enjoyable.
Cheers
Alan
missed the RC 
Nice shot again, Patrick.........
Off for a walk to see if any polar bears would appear 
Jouko
I like your story about finding your shooting spot and it has produced another fascinating image.
David
Thanks for looking!
LOL Jouko, with global warming, maybe you should look for Elephants and Iguanas! I saw some shocking movies at the conference (taken in cameras one frame per hour) of glacial retreat. It makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck!
Patrick
Sound as thought it all went well ,and a great shot to bring back superb
Brian,..................................
The dark layer is one of the factors of Scottish rivers Patrick not from fires, but the amount of peat in many areas which leaches into the burns and streams leaving a great dark layer in the water.
So much for the lesson on Scottish water. This is wonderful, because of all the soft glorious colour, to hear someone say they desaturated the reds is remarkable and quite unique.
I'm so pleased that things went so well for you, talent will out my friend, many congratulations.
All the very best Patrick,
Dougie
Fantastic shot, love the colours and the colours of the sky are wonderful.
Thanks for looking in!
Well Dougie, there is a lot of tea-like colouring in the water from the swamps behind the beaches. So you might call this the far southwest of Scotland! And cold too. It was +8c when I took this shot!
Patrick
wonderful image Patrick, usual very high quality. Glad your getting the recognition that you deserve in photography.
all the best
Kevin
P.S. didn't you upload a different image earlier
WOW, brilliant news Patrick, I'm so pleased for you and it's well deserved too.... 
Oh, nearly forgot, great shot, love the movement in the sky
Thanks for looking!
Well Kevin, at least a few seconds of fame anyway. Nope, first upload of the day for me.
Thanks Tony, the clouds were moving really quickly as there was a strong and cold north wind blowing. Only +8c. The coldest day of the year for me and I had it in Florida!
Patrick
Great patrick, just send me my cut when you make it big - I'm sure my 'nice pic' comment deserves a couple of quid 
well done,
kevin
Another outstanding seascape Patrick, congratulations on your well deserved recent success, Ed
We went to a Photographic Display by National Geographic renowned photographers in Plymouth last year and I reckon you could beat some of them out of sight Patrick..this is awesome and your success is so deserved. We are still in the middle of an amazing storm..flooding everywhere but we still have electricity.
Di
Thanks for looking!
LOL Kevin, no problem. The nice pic comments at least fool me into thinking that the shot is good. And you know how powerful the placebo effect can be!
Well Ed, it could be a bit of success, or at least a good fantasy!
Thanks Di! Too bad about the storm. I hope it does not get too bad. I won't mention that this afternoon it will be 25c with clear skies and no wind.....
lol...oops....
Patrick
Can't add anything to what has already been said. Exceptional!
Albert
Beautiful work and so deserving of doors opening for you now. Even above your skills, your enthusiasm shines paramount and it's that that gets you to the top
cheers. Andrew
It's all been said.....QUALITY image from a QUALITY photographer.
*Mike*
Sweet shot and well done on the convention...
Just keep it going and push it
Tommy
lovely sky, sounds like a great time you had....one day you gonna be famous
Thanks for having a look!
True Andrew, I enjoy like doing photography and telling the stories and I'm sure that helps.
I'll do that Tommy.
LOL Maddie, I'd be happy with being able to scratch out a living doing it. But relative to income, the entire San Francisco area is as expensive as the more expensive parts of London. So I'm keeping my day job! I understand about the water...lol!
Patrick
What more can be said, another top class image,good luck to you Patrick......don't forget us when your famous
alan
Hi Patrick,
Sounds as though your convention went brilliantly,your photographs and you were sure to be recognised for what you are one day,glad it's happened,pure class.
This one is brilliant and it's so different from the others.Great sky with great colours/lead in.take care, and congrats on your recognition and contacts.Ann
Very pleased for you recognition Patrick, your book on blurb.com is well worth a look too - your shots really are something to aspire too!!
Beautiful colour in the sky and the ripples from the sand add very nicely to the image
Sean
This is so good. Every part of the photo has detail dripping from it. Beautifully photographed.
Rgds, Alan.
You deserve the praise from the pros Patrick – you are one of the top ephotozine photographers!
A beautiful capture Patrick btw.
Mark.
superb shot Patrick, another massive score on it's way
keith
Well done Patrick, on many levels, the shot, the reception you have had, the offers etc. Have to say it is very well merited, and as someone said above, talent will out!
Congrats. Don't forget us will you when you are gracing the cover of some glossy book or calendar or magazine.
Martin
Quote: they had a Powerpoint slideshow cycling around of the best showcase images on a 30 feet movie screen. 6 of them were mine
How wonderful to hear you getting the attention you so justly deserve, Patrick. Not only one heck of a landscape photographer with a style all his own...but a nice and modest guy too.
Grief! I thought I wrote long narratives!
Good job it's such a brill image
Fran x
A superb scene, the composition, the lighting and the sky are all excellent.
regards
Ken
Hi Patrick, I have only had my camera for 5 months and there is only one thing I can say that this is wonderful and the meaning of photography has given me a new meaning,thank you.
Betty
You deserve all the praise with a pf like yours Patrick. This one is no exception. All the best. John
Beautiful shot Patrick, and many congratulations on your success. It's always a pleasure to hear when an EPZer gets the attention they deserve from 'those outside'. I hope this is just the beginning for you Patrick.
A superb shot Patrick, and congrats on all your recent success ... may you go from strength to strength!
gill
A superb shot and well worth the extra effort needing in finding it.
Well done on the Calendar, we all know you are brilliant, hopefully you realise this too.
Annette
Thanks for your comments!
If that ever happens Alan, I wont....
Yes Ann, it went well and it was a lot of fun. You know I like talking about photography so that was the best part.
I'll try John (mounters)
Well Martin, it is probably because for about the first year I was on EPZ, so many people said my shots were rubbish (or politely ignored me) that I finally caught on!
Thanks Ian, I was hoping this didn't come across like too much boasting. I was just happy to meet those guys and hear the opinions of the heads of agencies and the like!
LOL Fran, it appears you have competition for long descriptions! But I need to brush up on my song titles first....
I've had mine for 3 years Betty, so you are on your way.
True Matt, and it is happening more and more. It seems like almost every day, someone on EPZ has something published or wins some prize.
You too Gill.
Thanks Annette for being so supportive. LOL - I don't know it, can you say it again??
Patrick
Pastel tones par excellence. Always good to read your comments and stories Patrick. You deserve the success that appears to be just around the corner. Best of luck...not that your success is down to luck at all, regardless of the topic of your presentation
Howard
A real beauty Patrick. It sounds like the future is looking good for you, well done.
Pete.
Super scene - you deserve every success for your wonderful shots.
Freda
Wonderful sky, reflected light and depth in this Patrick. Glad to hear the convention was such a success, and of the praise you received whilst there. While we were in America last year, our host lent me a book on Galen Rowell (whose work he likes), it made very interesting reading.
Nigel
Great image as usual, Mr Smith! It's great to see that it is not just us ePHOTOziners who appreciate your talents. I hope that a few doors opened for you at the convention and put my name down for one of those books and a calendar too.
Ted
Beautiful colours and a most restful image Patrick. Well done.
Thanks for stopping by! I wonder what 'success' is? I'd like to make a living at this but even really successful landscapers barely make enough to survive in the expensive San Francisco area.
I hope you are right Howard!
I have all Galen's books Nigel. And Gary Crabbe, who managed Galen's stock portfolio lives in my home town. Galen was an excellent writer as well as photographer.
LOL Ted, will do if it ever happens!
Patrick
congratulations on your well deserved sucesses Pat, sounds like you are going places with the right contacts, i know that book you are talking about, it is awsome professional stuff......good luck with your endeavors!
Sounds like you had a great time Patrick,well done.
Google Earth ?? I do hope you weren't up in that satellite taking pictures of us all in our back gardens
Do I get a calendar for my birthday??...it's soon
Awesome image my friend.
Janet
You deserve it Patrick. The whole community of EPZ is proud of you. Congratulations for your success. You really had a great time. More success to Patrick the Great!
Cheers,
Dennis
Wow I had to scroll a long way down to say my 2 cents worth......... a beautifully photographed image Patrick, having read your narrative Im glad to see that you got the recognition you truly deserve. A great landscape photographer amongst the members of epz, but also a nice modest guy, who always has time to leave a comment and advice on others work, and it is appreciated too.
C
Thanks for having a look and for such nice comments!
We will see Terry, for now it is just a lot of fun but maybe I can scratch out a living at it!
LOL Janet, it is quite dangerous to be hanging onto a satellite but.... oh I think you need to put your rubbish container in the back yard before the neighbours complain! And a little weeding in front might be a good thing. But at least some early flowers are blooming! Calendars? Maybe someday when you hit a major milestone, like 40....
LOL - The money is in the Post Dennis!
Thanks C, what a nice thing to say!
Patrick
Great Image Patrick - well captured. Glad that you had such good feedback at the event.
Regards Richard.
love the FG Patrick a beautiful shot and its long over due,lots more recognition for your outstanding work as a photographer,wish you every success.
Wish I could have made the trip, but now a days I am on the road constantly. Looks like you had a great time and as always produce some fantastic shots! Spot on! Click!!!
Greg
Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot!
I'll give you an update later Greg. Oh, and what a fine beak you have!..lol....
Patrick
Top quality as always...The sky is wonderful..
Regards
edgar.. ( tired and still moving like I am still on a boat )..
LOL Edgar, I saw that shot and was wondering how you made it out of there. I get seasick easily so I would have never gone!
Patrick
Enjoy the attention, you deserve it. I'm sure great things are in store for you. What a delight it has been to view the images I missed in Jan and Feb...wonderful.
Well done Patrick on all of your achievements. You are probably very close to being the worlds best seascape/coastline/landscape/landmark photographer ever. That is truthfully what I think of your work.
Good Luck with everything Patrick
Rob
Thanks Pamela Jean!
I'm honoured Rob. I hope I get to see more of your creations. I haven't seen anything better at what you do!
Patrick
congrats patrick well deserved acclaim you"r images really are a work of art ,you make you"r own luck
mark
Patrick, another great picture. You should not feel honoured to be amongst the great and good of the National Geographic, you should be there by right!
Your photography is world class. Go for it!
Stephen
Super image Patrick, congratulations on the breaks you are getting with your images, well deserved and down to your planning rather than "photographic luck".
All best MikeA.
Thanks for stopping by! Sorry I haven't been around EPZ much this past week but I'll be catching up after about Wednesday.
I'm not sure much of each picture is luck and how much is planning and skill. Most of my best shots have a decent amount of luck involved. There always seems to be something I didn't plan. Of course, you don't see the complete rubbish that I shoot!!!!
Patrick
Oh man...what a great time at the convention!! Such a rush it must've been - so happy for you )))
Lemme tell you - your pics should be everywhere...calendars, books, you name it. This one up here's one heckuvan example
Andrew
Another fantastic shot, Patrick! Great to hear you are get recognition for your outstanding work.
Valerie
just spent a wonderful time looking through your beautiful photo's they are stunning
pareen
Thanks for having a look! I've been super busy but probably in two weeks things will calm down a bit. I have some new stuff to put up if I can just get the time.
We'll see Andrew. I'd settle for being able to make a decent living doing it!
I'm glad you liked them Pareen. I'll have to look at yours when I get back from LA.
Patrick
What a wonderful life journey Patrick. Your images are quite stunning and worthy of such praise and attention and to be recognised by emminent peers is the icing on the cake. Well done.
Derek
How wonderful that your trip was such a success! And what a brilliant shot, this. Just has to go in my favourites!
Gotta love that sky mate !!!
Great to read about your carear starting to take off.
Exciting times !!!
After all, if I can make a living out of this, ... you definitely can.
All the best
Scotty
Must congratulate you on what seems to be a path to success Patrick - excellent!
db
Being #182 there is not much left to say. Excellent image.
Johanna
your portfolio is a beautiful place to visit
so enjoyable
paren
Thanks Johanna and Maureen!
I hope you are right db, we will see.
Patrick
Wow, Patrick - I sense the big time calling!! And to think we almost met.
Your talent, skills and effort will be rewarded in due course - no doubt.
Best of luck.
Colin
Absolutely stunning!!!
Great to read your news
Helen
LOL Colin. It may still happen the next time you drop by!
Thanks Helen!
Patrick
There is no surprise here at your success, P.......Wishing you all the best!
Suz
breathtaking exposure, just spot on front to back,
Phil
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