by tmoffett | Oct 9, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Raging Sea
Yesterday was an interesting day, weather wise. It started out cloudy and windy, which led to my capturing this image just off Ocean View Drive in Yachats. Even though the tide was low, the wind was driving in the waves with such ferocity that the rocky shoreline was quite wild. On a couple of occasions I thought I was safe, and next thing I knew I was soaked and standing in heavy water. It was quite an experience. In this image, you can see one wave approaching while another crashes into the shore and washes over the rocks. On several occasions Christeena got after me for getting too close to the “Danger Zone.” I have a new appreciation for the phrase, “Never turn your back to the sea.” It would have been beneficial to have someone watch the sea while my eye was glued to the viewfinder.
In the afternoon the sun actually came out for several hours. It made photographing much more difficult. The light quality diminished as the sun was directly overhead. When it looked like the sun was here to stay for a while, I decided to take a break. We took the kids up to Seal Rock and strolled on the beach while the sun was shining. It was beautiful, just not real photogenic. I like the softer light that creates more mood and feeling. By evening the clouds had returned and the rain started to fall. It is supposed to rain for the rest of the weekend.
Even with the wild weather, the central Oregon coast is one of my favorite places to visit and photograph. The images that I have been working on this week will soon be available at moffettgallery.com. I will also be posting more here throughout the coming days.
by tmoffett | Oct 8, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Photographic Philosophy
Nightfall
The evening last night was a very interesting one on the Oregon Coast. Rains fell, the quieted down about 45 minutes before sunset, which we couldn’t see due to heavy clouds. The winds blew which made for some very violent wave action. However, I really wanted to show a more quiet, dreamlike look to my photographs, so I set out to accomplish that. I found a little cove that was somewhat protected from the elements, but the waves still made their way in. As they entered the cove, they washed over these rock outcroppings. By shooting with a very slow shutter speed, the waves were reduced to gentle swells. The blue color adds to the feeling and shows the late hour in which I was shooting, but most of all it adds mood. The technique used appeared to have calmed the violent sea and portray a quiet moment on the ocean.
Being able to create images that not only show and create feeling, but show MY feelings, is a challenge that I desire to always pursue. It is especially challenging when the environment and conditions have and opposite mood and feeling than I have. I have learned, though, that it is not impossible to accomplish. Mastering your craft is a necessity if you are to create personal masterpieces.
by tmoffett | Oct 7, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Sweet Creek
After a long drive Tuesday night, we decided to stop in Eugene for the night. We then left Eugene long before sunrise in order to arrive at Sweet Creek, just outside of Mapleton, by sunrise. As we hiked up the creek, we were very glad that we added this into our trip. The light was beautiful and the water flow nearly ideal for photography. This is just one of the many images I was able to create before the light became harsh.
I love photographing moving water. I think that is what draws me to the ocean. When I can’t get to the ocean, I search for rivers and streams. Long shutter speeds, soft moody lighting and moving water make me happy! I can feel it, this is going to be a good week, but then any week on the Oregon Coast is going to be a good week.
by tmoffett | Oct 5, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Rocks and Water
Detail photographs can be a great addition to a portfolio to add some variety. I often look for the one great shot and forget to look at the details. You may find that the best image lies within the frame that you have already shot. I like to start with the wide, establishing shot and then work down to the details. Such was the case here. I went from using a 20mm wide angle lens to my 200mm telephoto lens, and it was then that this small stream seemed to come to life for me. The water flowing around the moss covered rocks were inviting me to come closer. And when I did, I was not disappointed. The water seemed to make what color I found in the rocks to come to life. Almost animated. It was a wonderful experience to photograph.
by tmoffett | Oct 4, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Bayhorse Creek
The soft flowing water in contrast to the sharp, stable rocks and the dark, moody lighting found in the thick brush of Bayhorse Creek caught my eye after a good day fishing at Bayhorse Lake, just a few miles upstream. I love the sight and sound of running creek water in the wilderness. It is refreshing to the soul. This image is a constant reminder to me of what an evening in the woods is like. I can almost smell the fresh air. When I can’t get out, I look at images to cleanse my mind.
by tmoffett | Oct 2, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Sunset Reflection
Oftentimes I will find myself shooting east when the sun drops low in the sky. I like the warm light that the setting sun provides. Last night, while out at the lake, photographing the eastern sky, I turned around and saw the ducks swimming through the reflection of the setting sun. I quickly swung the camera around, just in time to capture this image.
I don’t often photograph wildlife, not because I don’t like it, but just because my energy right now is so focused on landscape photography. When I get in a groove, I get tunnel vision of sorts and tend not to see what else is out there. Because of this, I see my landscape work improving and really beginning to “say” something, however I know that I do miss some other photographs that could be very compelling. I am alright with that. I know that finding a niche will breed success. Doing one thing well is much more important to me than being just alright in many areas. My heart is in the landscape. My one desire is to create meaningful images of the landscape. I explore my innermost feelings and express them in photographs created in the world around me. Photography is my outlet. It has become a need. Without it, for me, life would become very difficult.
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