Point Lobos - Pinnacle Rock #1

Two minutes after I made this image, the sun dropped into this opening and the glare was too much. After that the light was not good for a shortish exposure, though I did make a one minute exposure for that smooth look. it is on my website.

Seagulls! Just a pixel compared to this rock.

I waited for the water to swirl around this point and the 0.8 second exposure time showed the motion without the sea turning into chaotic cotton!

I wanted to have bits of light right here.

For just a moment, the light hit this rock and added a little extra interest here,

The tripod is literally hanging off the cliff. I held it in place during the exposure. There was no good place to put the tripod without it being too far away from the action.

This is the classic California coastal thick heavy summer fog. It is the only cloud cover from April through the end of October, so one must make the most of it!

Fortunately the cliff to the right of the frame provided some nice backlighting to show detail on the dark side of the rock.

I Love the Waves :))

love how the water hit the rock here

Point Lobos - Pinnacle Rock #1 by PatrickSmithPhotography.

The sun peeks under the fog deck at sunset to illuminate the sea. No HDR

Go to my Flickr profile to sign up for my free bi-weekly newsletter. I will answer questions and talk about locations and techniques. No spam will be sent! June 2009 - I just started on Twitter.

This picture is a runner-up in the Nature Conservancy photo contest!
Have a look.
support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=bestnature200...

0.8-second exposure @F8
2 ND soft grad 0.9s with Cokin z-pro filter holder
Canon 5D, Canon 17-40L @ 31
Gorillapod tripod to hold the camera on the cliff!

Point Lobos, at the north end of Big Sur just south of Carmel, California could keep a photographer busy for months or even years. It is a peninsula that has been sculptured by large Pacific waves over millions of years and the results are stunning. This is one of the western-most points of rock and is probably 50 feet tall at high tide. Sometimes waves wash over the entire rock. The most interesting motion was occurring just as the waves curl around the rock. I painted long lines (but not too long) with a 0.8 second exposure in order to show the dramatic motion.

See my profile for a link to my website where I have limited edition prints and less expensive open edition prints.
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Comments

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(252 comments)

. SantiMB . says:

----------------
An Awesome Shot Award
You are invited to add this image to An Awesome Shot!
~CONTESTS~ Enter/Vote now
Please tag the photo with "AnAwesomeShot"
invited with SIC 1.0
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

per_andersen says:

i'm amazed :-)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nuno S.Sousa says:

----------------

This is an Amazing Shot! Please consider adding your photograph to the group Amazing Shots!!
invited with SIC 1.0
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

sahara13 says:

Excellent shot.!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Colin_E says:

Love your attention to detail. Always the mark of a *true* landscape photographer. The swirls bottom left transform this from good to great.
Awesome stuff.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

the-father says:

excellent.

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

msaluste [deleted] says:

Absolutely wonderful!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ICH-Photos says:

Another truly beautiful image with all the right elements.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

MRTW426 says:

Absolutely gorgeous!!

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Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

sminky_pinky100 (Busy In & Out) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called This stands out! - add 1, invite 1, comment 1 ***NEW CONTEST***, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Absolutely amazing. I can imagine this kind of scenery would keep a photographer busy.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

pieroamorati says:

I marveled at this fantastic image at
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

AcombDave says:

Wonerful Image
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Vampire Black Cat says:

damn, love it !

what processing did you do?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

thewayIfeel says:

One more awesome imae. One more time thousands congrats
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

app1e_pie1231 says:

wow..... its so good.... love it... =)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

William Bullimore says:

I can't come up with enough superlatives for this one. Great. Gorgeous. Stunning... the list goes on.
--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Floyd's Noise/BlueChablis says:

The definition of the swirling eddies and currents are beautiful. I hope the fires have not damaged too much of this wonderful area
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

elementalPaul says:

Cool! Nicely observed and photographed.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

siskokid says:

Beautiful image...The color and detail is fantastic!
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

PatrickSmithPhotography says:

Thanks for your comments!

Vampire, I didn't have to do much more than adjust the curves to get some extra contrast because the 5D raw files always look a little flat. I desaturated the most colorful part of the sky to get a little more detail, as it was almost blown out. Then I selected different areas and sharpened them seperately. I do that on every shot.

Floyd, the fires burned a large area but not down to the shoreline. Mostly in areas above 3,000 feet elevation up to about 5,000 feet.

Patrick
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

sachman75 says:

dramatic shot love the tones and the energy you have captured!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ngpfjoyce says:

beautiful capture!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Vampire Black Cat says:

really enjoyed the "method" section of your web site, thanks for sharing !
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Kyle Simpson (away for a while) says:

Awesome shot!!
Please add this cool image to :

"Photographer's Gone Wild" Post 1 Award 3

beautifully shot image, the 17-40l was the first lens I purchased once I got my first DSLR and it is still the best lens that I own.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Schristia - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year (away says:

Over The Shot Invite!!!

You are officially Invited to
add this photo to:
#FLICKR# Over the Shot
Post 1 ~ Invite 1 or Comment 2
please add the tag "OverTheShot"
Visit our contests
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Forget Me Knott Photography says:

Amazing work.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Forget Me Knott Photography says:

Hi, I'm an admin for The Portfolio Pro; a group for the Pro and Advanced Amateur Photographer who is interested in a thoughtful meeting place to share images, get honest critique, and build a knowledge base for taking their work to the next level.

We would be pleased to see you participate in this group.

Please Tag: invitedPRO

Also on the web - The Portfolio:Pro
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Ricardo La Piettra - Landscape Photography says:

perfect
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

HeLMut G. says:

Stunning!

You've been Invited to add your image!
Feel Free To Join! Tag Images with B-E-S-T or "best of th B-E-S-T For every image you add you MUST invite or comment on at least 2"

THIS IS THE BEST OF THE B-E-S-T
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

(: Petra :) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Best of Flickr (admin invited), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

(: Petra :) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Old Port - Invited Images - Boats / Sea / Lakes / Rivers, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

(: Petra :) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ImagePoetry-ImagePoésie- Invite Only (+15 faves), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

usbdevice says:

An amazing capture, love the water!

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Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

THEORO (ON/OFF) says:

Seen in:

The Old Port
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

THEORO (ON/OFF) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Chapeau! (invited only), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

THEORO (ON/OFF) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Oracle of Excellence (Admin Invite-25+Fave), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

stager57 says:

Excellent capture.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nik Fahmi, away on vacation says:

Wow... my jaw just dropped. Wish I could be here to shoot.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Soleil is me. says:

I marveled at this artistic captured, so beautiful and INSPIRE photo. Thank you to share your best. I pleasure and honor to give the awards. BE HAPPY& ENJOY to display your BEST photos ; OR feel free to be the member;
[Dear flickr friends; if you do not prefer to join, please DO NOT RUDE statements just lea; all people are friends. Thank you]

SPLENDID PHOTO!! YOUR PHOTO WINS
THE INSPIRE INVITATION!

INSPIRE!! Invite ONLY!!
You are INVITED to display this wonderful photo
in the INSPIRE Pool, and give 2 awards!

Honor to invite your to present your best at:

INVITED TO MY SPECIAL GALLERY!!

Kornrawiee's Gallery!!Invite ONLY!

I Love Your Pixels!!!

"Quality Pixels"

You're invited to join and post your photo at
"Quality Pixels"
We would love to see your pic here!!!
please tag: "Quality Pixels"
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nejdet Düzen says:

Amazing view..

Seen in:

The Old Port
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Falcon EyE says:

what a terrific photo... AMAZING !!!

Your EXCELLENT photo was seen in:
Oracle of Excellence (Admin Invite-25+Fave)
www.flickr.com/groups/oracleexcellence/
Kindly tag "OraclEX"
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Sir Francis Canker Jones says:

Great shot. Awesome colors... Love the waves!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Wiechert Visser says:

In my european eyes a bit too much usa styled, anyhow you have a good eye for shooting and processing!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

LifeSunDeath says:

wicked shot! the second I get enough funds I'm getting that lens...you take such great pics!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

PatrickSmithPhotography says:

Thanks for your comments and critiques. It is good to hear many perspectives!

Patrick
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

go2bob says:

I saw this photo in Photos sans frontières
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jdeu24 says:

wow... love it!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Noiro-Françoise says:

Wonderful picture I like the way of how the sea is moving on...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Music Hyun ~ Happy Holidays!! says:

totally fabulous, patrick!!!

You Are A Light Painter!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

A - Lo Photo says:

wow, great shot
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Iñigo Barandiaran says:

Wow. Amazing!!! Super Great Capture!. I love it!!!! Congratulations!!! I like the movement of the Water. GREAT!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Stefan K0n@th says:

Great shot, very nice!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

myri_bonnie/Myriam says:

Wonderful, it's really an amzing photo.

Seen in Photos sans frontières
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

algo says:

Wonderful photography. Such clarity and detail and great textures.
That's as great a bit of sea that I've ever seen.
Most impressive .

--
Seen while exploring your photo stream, following your visit. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

algo says:

I have faved and tagged your picture with BRAVO and this serves as an invitation to The Best: BRAVO.
[?]
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nounou 12 Maryse says:

Bonjour, je suis l'administrateur du groupe Vos plus belles photos/Invite pictures only., et nous aimerions beaucoup que vous ajoutiez ceci à notre groupe !
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Gassami / Marie says:

This is absolutely splendid, Patrick. Lighting, composition... Pure joy.

Thanks for joining and adding this beautiful pic in Photos sans frontières
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nounou 12 Maryse says:

Excellent !
Vos plus belles photos !
Fabuleuse cette photo !!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

thefatcat44 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Natural Landscapes, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

EricBronson. says:

Sooooooo beautiful!!!

Seen in / Vue dans :
Vos plus belles photos !
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

NRG Smith Photography says:

This is great Patrick!! What filter system do you use?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

gfidias says:

Your picture is really excellent !
Vos plus belles photos !
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

KaStBa says:

WOW!
You Are A Blue Ribbon Winner! If you haven't done so, please add your photo to:
Blue Ribbon Photography (Invited Images ONLY)
Please tag your photo: BlueRibbonWinner
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

M.Rathmann says:

Breathtaking capture. Instant fave. Wonderful array of different textures in the water alone.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Tim Blessed says:

So very lovely, thanks for the exposure info. Terriffic shot!

Seen in 'Natural Landscapes' pool
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Peter Pak says:

simply stunning..
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Tsukihiko says:

beautiful capture!, i love all of your photostream! :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Horia Bogdan says:

Absolutely gorgeous shot with a perfect control of the exposure!
I really like the way you managed to retain the best light, details and textures from the rocks with still keeping the sky under good exposure paramentes. Usually such results are obtained by others with HDRs.
Excellent drama given by the strong motion of the waves, well composed and saturated, too.
All-in-all: a spendid shot!

BRAVO!

PS: thanks also for adding the exif part in the note...very useful from my point of view
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Kevin Keller says:

I'm always amazed by unique photos of often-photographed locations. Just when I think I have seen a place, someone like you manages to create a new spin on it. Well done.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

paherphoto says:

wow! very beautiful!!!:)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Sueshane says:

You are INVITED to add this Watery Masterpiece to:

Águas Divinas
Invitation Only
Tag your photo with "Águas Divinas"
Post 1, and comment on 3
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

((Jenny)) says:

*Jaw drops* Absolutely incredible.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Gabriel Robledo says:

This an amazing shot! Composition is excellent and the colors are fantastic. You have a FANTASTIC photostream!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Emmanuelle Beausoleil says:

I love long exposures! But this one is spectacular!!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Fjordblick says:

really amazing
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Gert van Duinen says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Gold Seal of Quality *INVITE ONLY* Post 1 Comment 2, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

johnoconnell says:

Yikes - this looks like disney animators have painted the lapping sea in - there's so much life and character in it. Amazing shot!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

heyyu says:

wow, great shot! Thanks for sharing!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

alxmb says:

Amazing! I saw this on another site and I just had to come here and fave it.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Reece Kidman 【ツ】 says:

WOW!!!!

You have such a good camera and use it as best as possible.

nice composition with the sunset in the backround
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

jagudo says:

Amazing shot, great water motion captured plus a wonderfull landscape.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

G Dan Mitchell says:

Very nicely done, and effective post-processing.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

jackie_del says:

Found your amazing image on Smashing.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

jimba' says:

came across this shot in some blog actually.. blew my mind! totally a fav.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Myriam70 says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ImagePoetry-ImagePoésie- Invite Only (+15 faves), and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Fantastic capture and colors.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

dirac3000 says:

I like this shot a lot, though I have to say that the light looks a bit too fake maybe... anyway, i really like the colours, and overall it's areally cool shot.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

PatrickSmithPhotography says:

Thanks for your comments and critiques!

Other than a boost in contrast and sharpness in spots, this is as it was in the camera. 2 minutes later, this light was gone and two minutes before it was dull and grey!

Patrick
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

hotonpictures (away) says:

awesome capture and work
rgds
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

powercat75 says:

Nice shot. The rock is lit up so nice, without washing out the sky. It is like the water does not want to let go of the rock.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

mm_kreutzer says:

The water looks so alive in this one! Beautifully done!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

motivsucher says:

Hallo, ich bin der Administrator der Gruppe MuLti MeGa ShOt {Invitation Only}, und wir würden uns freuen, wenn Du dies zu unserer Gruppe hinzufügen würdest.

Fantastic shot!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

fesign says:

brilliant work
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Philippe Sainte-Laudy says:

wow wow and more wow's !! outstanding!
Thanks for the visit ;o)
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Morbit Photography [deleted] says:

Hallo, ich bin der Administrator der Gruppe *** Water ***, und wir würden uns freuen, wenn Du dies zu unserer Gruppe hinzufügen würdest.

nice :)

--
Seen in the group"Views: 10000" (?)
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Ethan Koerten says:

WOW~!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

McDeez says:

i agree... WOW! spectacular view and shot!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Cap'n Surly says:

Fantastic motion blur!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

♥ Katie ann says:

You are invited to display your image.

Better Than Good
Invitation Only

If you accept this Invitation,
please give awards to other images.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Stephen Oachs says:

Simply Super. This inspires me to return and shoot this location again. I'm very glad the winter months are coming and the fog will retreat.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Danny Seidman says:

This image is absolutely incredible.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

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Additional Information

Taken in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (map)
Taken with a Canon EOS 5D.
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Taken on August 22, 2007
Viewed 68,532 times
Replaced on September 6, 2008

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