Timing & Safety
We work bracketed around low tide, entering and exiting caves with buffers to avoid getting cut off. One person watches sets while the other shoots. Kit is clipped; nothing loose to the ocean.
- Tripod feet weighted; center column locked.
- Shutter 1/80 for crisp spray; 0.8–1.5s for painterly water.
- Cloth over lens between sets; wipe after every burst.
- Set counting: shoot after set wave 3–4; retreat when swell changes pattern.
- Slick rock checks every move; no leaps with gear in hand.
Color & Texture
We let cool ocean tones counter warm sky. CPL is feathered to keep sheen on wet rock. Micro-contrast stays gentle to preserve the organic feel of basalt.
Aperture: f/8–f/13
ISO: 64–320
WB: 5200–5600K
Filters: CPL + ND6
We dodge only to restore detail in whitewater; shadows stay natural. No composite skies—cloud texture remains true to the coastline session.
Key Frames
- Cave Mouth — 1/4s for streaks; CPL minimal to keep sheen.
- Basalt Steps — 0.8s to show layered flow; tripod low and stable.
- Afterglow Spray — 1/80s freezing droplets in pink sky light.
- Backwash Lines — 1/5s tracing returning water, ND on, CPL feathered.
Cross Links
Explore adjacent water and rock stories: