Flow & Timing
We arrive one hour before low tide, mapping rips and safe footing. Shot order follows swell cycles: lead with faster shutters to bank crisp frames, then graduate to 0.5–2s blurs as confidence in set rhythm grows.
- Tripod feet weighted; center column locked.
- Cloth over lens between sets to block spray.
- Manual focus on mid-distance rock, confirm every 10 frames.
- Set counting: shoot after the third wave of a set to avoid surprise surges.
- Exit plan marked with headlamp beacon beyond splash zone.
Color & Contrast
Warm horizon, cool shadows. We keep WB around 5200K at dusk, nudging warmer only when sea mist cools the frame. CPL stays light to avoid over-flattening wet basalt sheen.
We keep blacks soft to avoid crunchy rock edges; dodge only where needed to retain foam detail. No sky swaps—cloud character stays true to the session.
Key Frames
- Sea Cleft — 0.8s blur wrapping basalt; CPL at minimum to keep sheen.
- Retreating Wave — 1/80s capturing streak lines; no ND, higher ISO.
- Afterglow Pillars — two-frame blend to balance sky magenta and shadow fidelity.
- Spray Lace — 1/250s to freeze airborne spray under side light.
Field Gear
- 16–35mm for foreground dynamics; 50mm for compressed stacks.
- ND6, light CPL, rain cover, microfiber rotation every 10 minutes.
- Waterproof boots, gloves with grip, tethered remote.
- Cloth clips, spare cloths, silica packs in sealed pouch.
Field Log
Session start: mark wave cadence, shoot test at 1/200s to confirm spray direction. Mid-session: swap to ND for motion studies once footing is verified. Wrap at incoming tide +10 minutes to exit safely.
Ethics: no stepping on tide pools; no moss scraping; all cloth fragments packed out. We avoid baiting birds or tossing rocks to move wildlife.
Cross Links
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