Cavalo da Aroeira

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 27, 2010162 views11 comments

Cape Roca. Portugal

Photo taken in a wild bay called Enseada da Palaia, viewing the northern slope of Pedra do Cavalo da Aroeira (Horse Rock).

A B/W seascape rendition on the wild shore of Cape Roca. I was thinking a long time in capturing a decent shot with this iconic slope. During 2009 September/October, an "invasion" of dozens starfish took place on a few beaches nearby. I couldn´t believe it, some phenomenon! I grabbed this one, and immediately thought about how I wanted my picture to be... and the result, after some shots by the waves reaching the starfish is this image

I found the perfect wave and managed to capture it right on spot. Notice how the water is framing the cliff... perfectness in Nature!

Highly appreciate your thoughts about this image. Thanks.

D300+speed grip, tripod, cable release
ND grad SE 3EV 100mm filter
1 shot.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on January 27, 2010 at 10:17 AM

What a striking composition, I think it's wonderful!

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on January 27, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Excellent comp and great timing. Your vision worked very well.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on January 27, 2010 at 12:05 PM

This is a great seascape! It is so dramatic and you really captured a tiny slice of time when the sand was wet enough to reflect the cliff, and the wave was still visible and it's shape hugs the reflection. So much to like about this.

Ironically, I'm not sure about the starfish. Maybe it looks out of place because its the only visible object on the beach? Yet I kind of like it. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe someone else will have some insight... Either way, this is a great capture. Congrats and thanks for sharing it.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Rui Vieira on January 27, 2010 at 12:56 PM

Great comp Hélio

I love it in all aspects. The wave action is great and the starfish gives an extra impact to the shot IMO.

Registered on September 11, 2008, 39 Posts, 246 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ryan on January 27, 2010 at 3:46 PM

I like this. The thumbnail really doesn't do it justice. I like the wave action and the placement of the starfish in the frame works fine for me. Good work!

Registered on June 29, 2008, 85 Posts, 636 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on January 27, 2010 at 4:30 PM

This is beautiful!

Registered on September 1, 2009, 41 Posts, 608 Comments

Comment posted by Angela Classen on January 27, 2010 at 5:40 PM

I really like this. The reflection and wave action are very cool. I also like the comp very much - the starfish is in the perfect spot. Very nice work!

Registered on June 13, 2007, 434 Posts, 2742 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Cartamil on January 27, 2010 at 5:48 PM

I love all the elements, and although i can see what you were after with the starfish, I am not sure it looks all that natural, only because I have never seen one crawling around on sand like that. Great shot, all around.

Registered on November 15, 2007, 50 Posts, 601 Comments

Comment posted by Rudy Ruberti on January 27, 2010 at 7:24 PM

I think everything came together nicely here. The starfish is a great addition to the scene. I do notice a little darkening on top of the rock on the upper left. Not sure if that's from the grad, but thought I would mention it. Very nice scene and I like the conversion.

Registered on October 28, 2008, 179 Posts, 1875 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on January 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Everything does fit together nicely here. I might add a touch more contrast to the cliffs.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on January 28, 2010 at 10:57 PM

Excellent! I think the reason this works so well, is that the starfish is the only thing on this immaculately clean beach. We kind of know it's not supposed to be there. But it looks good anyway!

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments