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This was taken immediately after the one I shot from directly behind the pier. I wanted a version with some diagonal lines in it. Which one do you prefer?
For the first 20 seconds of the exposure, the sun was a flat pancake on the horizon. Then it sank, leaving its light on the underside of the cloud deck. So in a way, this is a combination of a sunset shot and an after sunset shot.
Last October, a hurricane (category 5, direct hit, 220mph gusts) had exposed this pier after being buried for many years. The beach used to extend well past the end of the exposed pier. The storm swept away about 5-10 feet of sand.
40 second exposure @F20 with ND grad 0.6
| Title: | Swept Away |
| Username: | 
PatrickSmith |
| Uploaded: | 17 Jul 2006 - 1:38 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 5D |
| Lens: | Canon 17-40L @21 |
| Recording media: | RAW ISO 50 |
| Tags: | General, Isla mujeres long exposure sunset, Landscape / travel, Specialist / abstract |
| Votes: | 239 |
Comments
Guess who? : )
Oh, it´s ME! LOL...
BTW...Another winner in my eyes!
Cracking composition! And that water thing is out of this world....
Just moded my new mice...glued some leather to mice to prevent double clicks! SERIOUSLY! Think I´ll patent this...LOL.....
Jouko
Hi Patrick, another beautiful shot 
Love the milky water LOL
Mari
yup, as soon as i saw it i knew it was you.
another 100+ clicks on the way i suspect, and richly deserved.
steveb
Good shot Patrick,fabulous lead in and love the movement of the clouds.
Andrew.
I think I prefer this one. . . though a hard choice to make! I like the longer line of posts into the distance.
i do prefer this one Patrick,i found that little red sun just a bit distracting ,however this has compleatly corrected that.
Big click.
Outstanding image, love the "milky" feel to the water Patrick.
Steven
-click-
Better composition...the old 40sec exposure thing which I hate of course...bit 1980's...but better as an image than the previous.
Superb! I love the colours. It's hard to imagine the storm when viewing the perfect calm you have captured here.
(I prefer this one)
Regards,
David.
WHAT??? This got ONLY about 14 clicks while I commented this! Not bad, not bad at all! LOL..........
Jouko
This is a remarkably attractive landscape...
Love the effect on the water...
Well done...
Without a shadow of a doubt, Patrick, this one wins. I think that's because the pier's features are more visible in this than they were in the more centralized composition.
wow, just incredible!!!!
what a fabulous one, Mt Grand Poobah of the EPZ .. LOL!!
Thomas
Tough call that one, Patrick. They're both top quality shots.
Martin
This is undoubtedly, one of the most impressive landscape shots I have seen. The clarity is perfect and very well composed. Great shot, be very proud of this one!
Shaun
Thanks for looking! So far this one might have the edge, but we'll see.
LOL Jouko... You'll just have to type faster! Getting trigger happy with that mouse? I never would have guessed it was you....
Thanks Kim, I wonder if that is a common impression?
Well Keith, I had a good look at my shorter exposures (1/4 sec etc.) of both of these compositions and with the 'waves' being no larger than 3-6 inches, the water movement was rather distracting. So these long exposures look better to me. It was like a big lake out there, but without the ripples that have good reflective properties.
Yes David. It is hard to imagine that this calm place was subject to such massive destruction!
Rob, maybe it is luck??
Ian, I was thinking that too. You should see the print!
Patrick
Great shot, I think I like the angle on the perspective over the previous one. Which must mean that this one will go beyond 223!
Like the effect the long exposure has on clouds as well as the sea, did you add the sun or was that your usual good timing to get it to coincide with diagonal posts Patrick ?
MikeA.
I really wish I had a camera that could handle this long of exposures, this is truely fantastic.
Thanks for looking!
LOL (literally) Keith.... Uh.....yeah, it's in there somewhere! (You trying to get me in trouble at work for laughing out loud?)
Mike, it was there. Just a little lower than in the last one. Then it disappeared halfway through the exposure.
Patrick
Knew it was your Patrick, even from the Tumbnail. Excellent as usual lovely lighting, composition and exposure.
SB
Oh Patrick you've done it again...I'm so Jealous, another cracker all we need now is the other side of the pier and you have a lovely set of shot's.
right off to sulk in the corner ;o)
Angie x
wow patrick. i love the colors and composition in this. i just got back from anguilla for a week and set my alarm to get up early every morning - to heavy downpours every day!!! (like when i was in san fran!) great work on this pic.
brandi
Thanks for your comments!
Angie? 'Oops, I did it again?' You want one from the other side? Don't make me do it, because I do have one! No sulking...
Brandi, I hope you got some good ones. I'll drop by to have a look. Here in SF it has not rained in over 2 months, so we have to opposite problem of stark blue skies. But the fog season is coming so that will help.
Patrick
Another awesome shot, I think I like this perspective better.. The colours are superb. Rob
No more to add really as its all been said!
But it is a nice one
Dave
Beautiful lead-in, composition and lighting, Patrick.
Jim
Amazing shot. I find it has a spooky, ethereal feel to it. Well done!!
Mick.
Hello Patrick, personally I prefer a little motion in water althought the surreal effect is not without beauty...the reflected colours have a special appeal owing to the exposure and from the fact that we will never see this with the naked eye...the diagonal timbers are the complimentary and contrasting aspect of your impressive piece of camera work.
Doug.
Hi Patrick,
I prefer this one,i have just spent some time looking at them both,i prefer the diagonals on this one,the calm milky misty water,perspective,texture,tones and presentation.
I also think that they would look stunning as a pair.
This one just has to go past 223 now.
Take care.Ann
Thanks for looking in!
So far, people prefer this one slightly although a few people like the last one better. And some don't like the milk that I've spilled into the ocean!
Doug, usually I do too. But here, the shorter exposure ones didn't have the impact of the longer ones. They seemed too cluttered. I'll put you down in the 'no dairy products in the water please!' category!
Patrick
Strong shapes are always good to include I think but for me, I prefer the first shot particularly for the colour in the water but also I think there was a little more to the sky. Still a fine image. Nick.
Greet shot.....The diagonal gives a nice lead in to the photo so works for me
Andy
Hi Patrick, this is again a wonderful image, I love the sky and the strong diagonal shape of the jetty. SUPERB !! now go and have a rest and give the rest of us a chance...LOL....a big click from Sunny St Ives (that's 50 now)........Geoff
A few people were saying that the site was quiet...QUIET, this shot has roared out of the starting grid which can only mean one thing Patrick.
Wow what an angle, really impressive shot again. Cracking softness to the water and the nice different colours/tones throughout.
scott
Difficult to choose between the two, Patrick. However, I think I prefer this one. -=Walter
Back again.......go on do it ;o)
Angie x
p.s still want my spam copies though 
..lol..
Gorgeous effect with the long exposure Patrick. Both shots great, but I think this one just shades it composition wise.
Bill
Beautiful shot, man that is a lot of sand to be displaced, but you timing on the shot sure is perfect! Spot on! Click!!!
Greg
Nice one Patrick, love the effect of the long exposure on the sky and sea.
Nigel.
Stunning - I can't make my mind up though which I prefer, both have equally fantastic merits. Lyns x
thats a very hard toss up as far as which one I prefer, mayber the first one that you uploaded...both are quality images...
ps..yes Patrick my last upload was taken back in 1976 while on a freelance assignment for the Sacramento Bee.
alex
Thanks for looking! This one still holds a slight edge so far.
LOL Geoff....okay... no more for a week..maybe!
Thanks Doug, but maybe it just means that the broken clock is right for the second time today! LOL...
Don't push me over the edge Angie! I may jump for #3 in the series....
Yes Greg, and the sand extended past the end of this pier before the hurricane!
Really Alex? I wonder if you wore bell-bottoms while taking the shot? It is amazing how times change.
Patrick
Really nice shot. Think i prefer the other one but this is still exceptional. Well done.
A tough call.. however, I do know I like the milk.
If I have to chose between the two I must say I prefer the first one. Would give anything to be the one that took this picture though.
Amazing shot!
This one is as beautiful as the first one. I can't choose between the diagonal comp and the straight one. Can you once upload a failed attempt for a change??!! It would be easier to comment. LOL.
I rate this one among top ten of your work.
Denis
another classic - the water is amazing - photos like this should come with a tutorial so the rest of us stand a chance!
Quote: Don't push me over the edge Angie!
I do that to a lot of people ;o)
I can just see them as a framed set of three looking so good on a wall somewhere....oh my lounge ;o)hee hee
Angie x
I like the pier and the creamy coloured sea the sky with long exposures isn't my preference but a lovely shot overall
Thanks for looking!
LOL Denis, I have plenty of bad ones on my hard drive... but I don't think you'd realyl want to see them!
LOL - Reallllly Angie? I think that I'm starting to get the shakes now!
I know Kin, that's okay.....
Patrick
Could only be yours Patrick.
Dreamily beautiful .... the picture not you silly.
Dave.
This one....enough said & besides,everyone else has said it for me!!
Lovely work Patrick.
Janet
Every time Patrick, every time. What more can I say that hasn't already been said??
mike
I think I prefer this one as the lines lead you to the sunset colors, excellent shot well done
joe
Stunning shot, prefer the line of posts in this one, but the sky looks more spectacular in the previous image
That red dot of the sun is in the perfect spot with the right amount of light...in the other one, this is special too, but not quite as good...
All the very best my friend,
Dougie
One Hundred......not really much more I can add!!!
I like the long exposure Patrick - looks extremely calm and serene.
Thanks again for your good wishes,
Debbie
Thanks for looking!
So far, people like this a little more, but it is a close call.
LOL Dave... don't be shy now!
What can you add Debbie? How about many more shots from your beaches? That is my wish.
Patrick
I like the symmetery of the other shot, the lead through; this one has the same lead, but a different perspective - not rocket science I know - but each have their own appeal. Preference for me - both a just as perfect as each other, but I like a different angle, so this one.
It's a sea of milk. Like the composition and how the pier leads directly to the sun.
Fantastic shot Patrick. I think the composition makes this image the winner for me.
Pete.
Not sure why, but I prefer this composition to the last.
This one for me to. I could live of this for years if I had taken it 
. Nice.
Dave
Superb yet again Patrick, I don't know which I prefer, this or the original, better fire the printer up as both will sell like hot cakes.
another truely awesome picture again patrick - love your portfolio!
Regards,
Kev
Cracker, Patrick, even better than the straight on view which I thought was beautiful too!
Ted
I believe that I'm the 125th vote when this was posted just over 10 hours ago. - Ssays it all really!
(click)
Cristian
I toggled backwards and forwards between them. They are both excellent Patrick, but for me the earlier one has the edge.
Nigel
Pat totally stunning in every sense as thebeauty in this seems to go on forever!
stay well
tonymarq
Thanks for your comments! I am glad I took several versions of this. It is almost an even split with this one still having a slight edge.
And of course, some people like the milk and some are (LOL) photographic 'vegans' and prefer an ocean to look like an ocean!
I looked at my non milky versions with short exposure times and these two long exposures look much better to me. For me, movement in the water distracts from the lines of the old pier.
Patrick
Patrick...I think your safe your a few hundred miles away ;o)
Angie x
Stunning shot beautifully composed, and I love the milkyness of the sea caused by the long exposure forcing the eye to the excellent detail in the posts.
Chris
Previous one for me Patrick.
This is still a marvellous quality shot, far and away better than anything I could do(at present, but I'll keep trying!), but the previous version just has that little bit extra for me.
Martin
Great sense of calm with the smooth pastel colours in the water. Not sure which one I prefer, I think I'm leaning towards this one though.
Marc
Incredible Patrick - great description too.
This is starting to look like many of the pics that are taken out in the UK.
Mike
Good long exposure Patrick! This is the result you definitely want to see. Awesome photography ☼☼☼☼☼
Rob
Hi Patrick,
Its a close call but i would have to say i prefer the first image looking down the pier. This is mainly because the sky is a little more saturated and dramitc in that shot and the sun more prominant as it was above the horizon for the entire exposure. Also I liked the central composition in that image, I feel it suits the subject better than the diagonal. If I had been there I would have done much the same and probably also shot it from both sides just to make sure I had the definative image!!
None the less the milky/misty water is just mesmerizing and almost surreal. I am going to have to have a go at a really long coastal exposure myself soon! I love the movelenty in the clouds too.
Great image
Ben
Another great shot Patrick. I prefer this view but I can not believe that it is just down to diagonal lines
Alistair.
Congrats, Patrick.
Wonderful image here. Christ.! 40 seconds, notting else to do?
Jan
I prefer this one, I like the way it leads the eye. I do have a request though any chance you could put up a less than perfect shot, make everyone look better???!!!
Thanks for looking!
I don't know Angie, will I ever be safe?
You could do this Martin, but the question is, would you really want to? LOL!
Mike, it does seem like that sometimes. I wonder why?
Thanks Ben for that explanation. It is interesting how you see it. For me, I can't decide now.
LOL Jan! You just bring along a good book, and if somebody asks what you are doing, you just say 'I'm working!' that is what I say when I set off a computer program that does a lot of work and takes a lot of time to finish... I'm working!
LOL - Paula (Pogs) - Sorry, too late. I just deleted about 200 of the lamest pieces of rubbish that you can ever imagine off of my hard drive! Some of them would even make a blind photographer look good!
Patrick
Diagonals would always make a scene like this look better Patrick.
The same quality as the other pic but I much prefer this.
Am I the only person who thinks the horizon is slightly bowed ??????
Brian.
terrific image. lovely angle and composition. it's all been said!
Patrick, that is an awesome shot, a big WOW from all the guys in my sitting room too, impressive photography, Adrian
I prefer this one as it shows more separation between the stumps of the pier and the pier still leads to the sun. Great composition and technique. Phil.
Hi Patrick, I clicked and ran earlier today- was far too busy sitting in the sun to write, and only popped in to cool down a bit : )
This image is another smasher. I actually prefer the first of the two, but that does not mean this is bad in any way, shape or form. It's just a matter of "given the choice"...
Hope you are not being hassled by those forest fires over there...
Jeanie
: )
of course you are safe....I think ;o)
as long as I dont have any money for a flight and keep taking my medication...hee hee
Angie x
Hi Patrick, If I had to choose (and that would be difficult) then it would be this version, purely for the composition/use of the diagonal, another beautiful image!
Sez
Thanks for looking!
Brian, there is a slight illusion but it is because the edges of the ocean's horizon are a little darker. Just checked with a crop tool which gives straight lines. It is good.
LOL Adrian, thanks!
Jeanie? I am so sorry that your life is so difficult...LOL! This one is still ahead but just a bit so you are in the minority of about 40% right now!
Angie... uh... did I tell you that I'm moving to Diego Garcia in the Indian ocean? Too bad it is almost exactly on the opposite side of the planet from the UK!
Don't forget your pills now!
Patrick
Yes Patrick it is an illusion. I put a grid on it and it is fine. Love this one.
Brian
another cracker Patrick.
2 things (which I don't think anyone has so far suggested - although you always get so many comments it takes too long to check for sure!)
Did you consider flipping the image so that the pier remains would run diagonally from left to right instead?
And how about a monochrome treatment of this image - give David Fokos a run for his money
Mike
Thanks Brian.
Mike, yes I do have one that goes the other way and I'll try a mono image. I'm not sure if I'll post it here but I'll put it up on my website. I did see his stuff just before the vacation and tried to do something similar!
Patrick
You always have so many comments to reply to! LoL when do you actually work?
Keeping it short I prefer the other, seeing as how you asked
Russ (LeCCy), work? What's that? I EPZ for a living!
Thanks Barbara.
Patrick
I like the movement in the water with the seaweed.It takes the eye to the old pier and finally to the sunset.Super work.
Thanks for looking. So far, people still have a slight preference for this one. But it is close.
Not sure Paul (chinny). Long exposures on the water rarely get critical acclaim. But that is okay, I just think that they are fun to do! I have shorter exposures taken before and after this one, but they don't convery the feel of this place like the long exposures. Usually it is the opposite.
Patrick
Beautiful colours and a superb composition with the diagonal, perfect expose to give the tranquil feeling!
Charlotte
Surreal, wonderful. Like the effect the 40 sec exposure has given this.
Teresa.
Phew reached the end at last thought I would be scrolling all night ..Its all been said but its stunning, superb fantastic in other words think it will pass....lol..Judith
Ditto to above comments. The long exposure and lighting make this a cracking shot.
Chris
A subtle palette of colours creating a lovely peaceful image. The remains of the pier in diagonal works much better than head-on in my opinion.
Both are very good, P....But really do like the angle of this one....Just swept me away...
Suzan
Sorry for going Finnish, mut on äijällä taitoo! Ihan älyttömät skillsit!
Fred
Another stunner. Patrick your work never fails to astound me. So, so beautiful, how can I possibly choose between the two!
Tracy
Gorgeous work as usual Patrick...truly amazing...thank you also for providing such a detailed description...
Thanks for looking!
I guess that these two are very close in terms of how people like them. I could not decide myself!
Patrick
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