First Light

Posted by Ian Bramham (Manchester, United Kingdom) on 15 May 2009 in Landscape & Rural and Portfolio.

Another one from the archives from Morecambe Bay in NW England.

This is a variation on a photo that I posted back in December 2008:
Previous version
The photo was taken at the end of October in the hour after dawn with the low morning sun reflecting on the sand still wet from a sudden rainstorm and the ebbing tide.

Although you can't really tell from the photo, it was very stormy weather with winds of at least 30mph. The fast shutter speed was my attempt to compensate for the fact that I couldn't hold the camera steady enough.

I've decided to enter the 'Cool Photoblogs' annual competition again this year. I'd really appreciate a vote from any of you who like my blog and who feel up to going through the registration process that is required in order to be able to vote: 2009 Photoblog Awards

Like what you see here and are interested in photographic composition?.....the blog section of my website now has a complete set of 5 articles covering my personal approach to the subject: Ian Bramham Photography - Blog

For purchasing high quality archival prints of any of these photos you can send me an email by clicking here or by going to my website Ian Bramham - Fine Art Photography where prices are listed in the gallery sections under each individual photo.

Links to the websites of other photographer friends (and the world famous Michael Kenna!) whose work I admire:
Michael Kenna
Hugo Poon
John Leech
Ian Smith
Mike Spriggs

Cool Photoblogs

Comments (20)

bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada

Beautiful high key in this shot. You don't miss a beat on any of the detail, this is an amazing shot. Compliments.

15 May 2009 5:07am

Mirko Herzner from Germany

A minimalist approach to this place. Well composed and with a dramatic mood.

15 May 2009 6:26am

dj.tigersprout from New York City, United States

lovely framing and detail -- and wonderfully minimalist as Mirko stated too!

15 May 2009 6:41am

Sriram from Chennai, India

Awesome tones! Hope you are doing good... Good luck!

15 May 2009 9:06am

Daryl from Farnham, United Kingdom

Some really interesting details there. That brightness really works.

15 May 2009 9:43am

ManuelaR from Hainburg (Frankfurt/Main), Germany

Love the details on the sand and the bright light works well!

15 May 2009 10:27am

Momo from Montpellier, France

soft puffy clouds, sharp detail on land...beautiful contrast...love the slight brown cast too...at least there's a hint of color on my laptop...there's also something I've always loved about square to nearly square crop...

15 May 2009 10:36am

Laurie from New Jersey, United States

Nice. I do prefer this one over the previous version. The details and shadows have more contrast. I like this crop too.

15 May 2009 12:26pm

MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany

I really like this miniature delta and the quietness of the scenery. Contrasts are really great considering the small scale of the sewers.

15 May 2009 12:57pm

gavin hart from Gold Coast, Australia

The only hint of the strong wind is the ripples on the foreground puddles otherwise it appears quiet. I do prefer this square version with its higher contrast with more strength in the dark tones. I quite like the sky in this one too.

15 May 2009 1:49pm

Jean-François from Les Issambres, France

BRAVO c'est fantastique !

15 May 2009 3:23pm

hugo poon from hong kong, Hong Kong

Both are gorgeous and wonderfully atmospheric!!! Mavelous work Ian! (Oh I have been moving back and forth... I seem to love the tone of the previous version but prefer the composition of today's:-))

15 May 2009 4:02pm

Marie LC from Voiron, France

Beautiful work Ian ! love tones and atmosphere.

15 May 2009 4:14pm

Viewfinder from Bradenton, FL, United States

Nice to revisit the place.

15 May 2009 5:30pm

Anna.C from LA ROCHELLE, France

I love the zen composition and the softness of tones !

15 May 2009 6:13pm

Onlymehdi from Wayne, United States

These Are amazing

15 May 2009 8:25pm

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

Much better than the previous (composition and tone) but one can only say that after you give us the choice of two brilliant shots. I still marvel at how your eye allows rules (horizons /thirds) to be broken so easily without any damage to the overall iamage.
(couldn't find your DPR result...but am I surprised after your run of form that now sees the govt as one of your paying customers!!!!)

15 May 2009 9:57pm

@Ted: Thanks Ted...here's the DPR link by the way: http://www.dpreview.com/challenges/Challenge.aspx?ID=1897

Yes, the government usage is a nice one to have!

Ian