Karen Botvin  


Calm before the Storm by Karen Botvin

April 2026 - Calm before the Storm

April 2026 - Karen Botvin

Original

About the Image(s)

This image was made back in 2019 using my Sony 6400, f/8, 26mm, 1/500 sec, ISO 400. My husband and I were traveling home on A1A which runs the whole length of FL along the Atlantic. There was a storm coming on shore and we stopped at Marineland Beach to make some images of the clouds. As you can see, the ocean was very calm, but the clouds were just waiting to burst! I have always loved this image because of the conflict between the peaceful ocean with the beautiful beach and the nasty storm clouds. Aside from the normal adjustment sliders in LR, I haven’t really done much else. Any suggestions for adjusting it are always appreciated. The other image I included is essentially the same shot taken about 5 years after the first, but with all the devastation from a number of hurricanes that took their toll on this once lovely area. As photographers, we capture a bit of history every time we pick up our camera.


6 comments posted




Martin Newland   Martin Newland
I like the dramatic, menacing clouds in this image as they float towards the serenity of the beach and foreshore... and then your second image that shows the devastation that nature can wreak on the environment.
A lovely image that is followed up with a really interesting documentary image taken after the storm
Nicely done and well caught!   Posted: 04/08/2026 01:39:04
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Thanks so much, Martin, for your comments.   Posted: 04/08/2026 20:39:23



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
The double triangle of sand and ocean and the reflections of the clouds on the ocean cause it to blend well with the ominous looking clouds. Looks like a kite surfer on the right side of the horizon or someone risking it to be out there?   Posted: 04/08/2026 20:14:55
Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Good eye, Piers! I didn't even notice all the triangles. Thanks so much for pointing them out. There are 3 pelicans out in the surf on the right side. Hard to see in this size image.   Posted: 04/08/2026 20:38:33



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
Hi! I would consider removal since they are not defined. Also I would try a horizontal flip to see of the diagonal line of the sand is more effective when moving "upwards".   Posted: 04/08/2026 20:55:08



Jim Wulpi   Jim Wulpi
Hi Karen.
I've been to this beach - one of the very few along the Atlantic coast of Florida that have actual rock outcroping along the beach.
Your image is an interesting contrast between the calm waters and the impending storm. Like Piers noted, there are very strong directional lines for the eyes to be led.
Very nice.
Thanks for the historic comparison, too.   Posted: 04/15/2026 10:26:26



 

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