Seeking Shelter in a Storm

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted April 3, 20062,723 views14 comments

Open water was not where I wanted to be when this late afternoon thunderstorm blew up so I paddled into this tiny cove to ride it out. It's not as bad as it looks - the storm was probably 1-2 miles away and it was blue skies and sunny where I was (see shadow by kayak), but lightning can travel a long ways (Florida being the #1 death by lightning state). 20-30 minutes later it was gone and I was back on the water, with only this picture to suggest it was ever there.

Click to see a Larger Version

D2X w/ 18-35 @ 26mm
1/125 sec. @ f/8
Polarizer
Handheld
C1 LE RAW Conversion, PSCS2, PK Sharpener

Honest critiques, suggestions, and comments are always welcomed and genuinely appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Doug Dolde on April 3, 2006 at 11:41 PM

Hey Bill this is super. Nuttin to suggest either.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 305 Posts, 3900 Comments

Comment posted by Cory Freeman on April 4, 2006 at 12:49 AM

I love the perspective Bill, great shot. I might crop a bit on the right to avoid that hole in the sand, or just clone that out. I might try and bring just a pinch of detail to the brush in shadow adjacent to the water course too. Other than that cool shot!

Registered on December 16, 2003, 107 Posts, 1341 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on April 4, 2006 at 3:14 AM

Those bright kayaks sure make striking photos

I like this one, Bill. The stormy clouds actually work very well as they contrast with the foreground and turn the kayak into the sun for this scene! Very nicely composed too, btw

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Jos De Braekeleer on April 4, 2006 at 9:34 AM

Diagonal placement of the kayak does lead the eye. Great contrast between fore and background.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 455 Posts, 1648 Comments

Comment posted by beth summer on April 4, 2006 at 10:43 AM

Love it, Bill....especially the Nantucket (Cape Cod) logo on the kayak for down in Florida

The light to dark lighting is dramatic and I might want to boost that up(just a tad) for a more dramatic feel. Comp is great.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 437 Posts, 5220 Comments

Comment posted by Barb Hansen on April 4, 2006 at 11:05 AM

I like the diagonal placement of the kayak making a great leading line. The colors are great. Overall I like this but I am curious --- where did you go to hide from lightning? Just kidding, very nice and very well done!

Registered on May 16, 2005, 380 Posts, 5157 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on April 4, 2006 at 11:32 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Hi Barb - hiding from lightning is tough indeed when you're the highest point on a flat peninsula.

When it really starts popping I throw my PFD on the ground for insulation and sit on it and try to stay low. I've had the hair on my arms stand straight up on more than one occasion though, and even had an acquaintance blown out of his shoes and killed about 30 years ago.

Just last fall, a man and his granddaughter were walking on the beach several miles from where I shot this - the man was struck and killed; fortunately the granddaughter was unharmed. Strange stuff this lightning. I love to watch the storms, but they can make for nervous moments every now and then.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on April 4, 2006 at 12:32 PM

Hi John - That depends on where I am. On rivers, streams, swamps I just throw the camera on the floor right in front of me, with a small camera bag in back of me within easy reach. On the bays, sounds, and other open salt water I generally carry the camera/bag/tripod in the rear bulkhead compartment. It's sealed pretty darn well. Even then, I will also place the body in a waterproof dry bag, just in case. Doesn't take much salt water to make a very expensive paper weight.

Don't ask how I know that - 2 camera bodies, 2 lenses, and 1 camcorder later.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Thomas Biggs on April 4, 2006 at 6:07 PM

Very nice Bill! Lived in Pensacola several years ago and the storms on the beach always did make me nervous!

Registered on January 13, 2005, 310 Posts, 1257 Comments

Comment posted by David Bostock on April 5, 2006 at 12:44 AM

Wow, too cool. I love the colors, and the perspective. Simply superb, Bill.

Cheers,

Registered on November 1, 2003, 90 Posts, 2778 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Staubus on April 5, 2006 at 9:45 PM

The white sand makes a great reflector to even out the shadows. The space on the right doesn't bother me, if anything it helps make the diagonal stronger. MIght suggest a smidge more open space on the left, though that is a minor nit.

Kent in SD

Registered on November 11, 2003, 121 Posts, 2098 Comments

Comment posted by Bret Edge on April 6, 2006 at 4:45 PM

Oh man, this is just awesome! Nothing else to really say, Bill. Perfect.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 711 Posts, 6363 Comments

Comment posted by William Vrolyk on April 8, 2006 at 12:11 PM

I gotta get my comment in here too, Bill

. This is great. I like how this fits the theme of seeking shelter.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Registered on November 1, 2003, 278 Posts, 3524 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Benner on April 14, 2006 at 6:09 AM

Very nice. Congratulations.

Registered on December 8, 2003, 482 Posts, 1868 Comments