Beyond The Storm

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 17, 2012189 views12 comments

I don't know if I have ever posted this photo here but it is one of my absolute favorites. There is a glow and richness to it that just mesmerizes me and I can stare at it for hours. It was a calm afternoon taken oh so many years ago after a big storm had pounded the area for a couple of days. Afterwards the sea was calm and the sky peaceful. I headed out to the coast not expecting much but after the sunset the light was like I had never seen it before, especially among these rocks.

The 16x20 print that I have of this on display in my show has so much depth but for some reason, some strange inexplicable reason, it garners no attention and very few of it have ever sold.

Check the larger version.

4x5, Nikon 150mm, Fuji Astia 100F, f45, 4 sec.

Feedback appreciated.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on June 17, 2012 at 8:41 AM

Love the serenity in this image Youssef! The soft colours, the misty waters, and in the larger version the two birds on the rocks complete the scene. I can see why it is one of your favourites! And why it doens't garners attention, well, isn't usually the case with the images photographers like best themselves are often not the most popular with others? Anyway, I think it's superb!

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Richter on June 17, 2012 at 9:11 AM

Youseff, this is a convincing composition, that reflects the tranquility of the scene wonderfully to me. The subtlety of the colors just makes the difference for me.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Shantikara Valuska on June 17, 2012 at 10:07 AM

Such a great photo! I think its beauty is more subtle and quiet, maybe that's the reason for the less attention?

Registered on July 25, 2011, 38 Posts, 451 Comments

Comment posted by Joerg Bonner on June 17, 2012 at 11:32 AM

i perfectly understand why this is one of your favorites - the colours and textures are just gorgeous!

best,
joerg

Registered on September 5, 2011, 44 Posts, 221 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on June 17, 2012 at 2:58 PM

This is a wonderful image! I have been looking at the large version for a little while now...and I just love it. Great comp to my eyes, beautiful color and the detail and texture is fantastic! I very much enjoy the feel and mood of this shot. Really nice!!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on June 17, 2012 at 4:00 PM

Soothing colors and very tranquil scene Youssef. I especially like the mix of blue and yellow, the highlights on the wet rocks, and the two birds in the distance.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Manning on June 17, 2012 at 4:18 PM

Gestalt tells us that the initial perceptions are based upon the simplest possible reading. Initially I was held by an ambiguous sense of scale. My perception was of an unknowable depth of space and scale. Is this a high angle shot of a fog covered grand landscape, or a smaller scale coastal tide pool area? One is more fascinating than the other, especially if I can't resolve it.

Opening the larger version, the birds give away the scale. Without them the scale is unknowable and keeps my interest. With them I become disappointed that the scale is smaller than originally perceived. Are the public also unconsciously reacting the same?

Registered on October 17, 2011, 13 Posts, 44 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on June 17, 2012 at 10:44 PM

I like the image. The tones and contrast are perfectly executed. I think it's nice the way you've held so much texture in the rock without blowing out the sky.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Alister Benn on June 17, 2012 at 11:37 PM

A very delicate and soulful image - the two gulls add a lot of depth to the metaphor. I can see why you love it so much...

Registered on June 9, 2011, 23 Posts, 258 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on June 18, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Thanks Tony. I forgot to mention the 2 stop GND as well. In addition I did use a luminosity mask to bring out detail in the LLC and the saturation masks.

Guy, I never thought about it in that way since I know its misty water among the rocks.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on June 18, 2012 at 3:40 AM

Just beautiful Youssef - so tranquil, yet knowing the ocean is never quiet... Love the gulls included here as they provide the perfect resting spot for the eyes. A lovely sky, and just the right amount to complement the coastal scene. Looks like the coast around Pacific Grove. The large version really shows well (although some hints of web conversion/compression, but what can we do? - I'm sure the print is gorgeous.)

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seawell on July 7, 2012 at 7:46 AM

Yo Youssef! What can I say but "wow". The texture of this capture just blows me away. Such a detail, such a moment. Would love to have caught something like this. On point.

Mark

Registered on December 5, 2011, 197 Posts, 237 Comments