Ian Chantler  

Seaside shapes by Ian Chantler

February 2025 - Seaside shapes

About the Image(s)

I posted the colour version of this image on my general groups page last month and it received positive comments so thought I would see how it looked as a mono conversion.

Another from the archives this was taken on our holiday in North Yorkshire in April 2024 the weather all week was wet and very windy
This image was created on the final day of the holiday on the promenade at Filey there was a 40mph wind blowing with occasional sharp showers I set the tripod up in a shelter close to the steps leading down to the beach as the tide was coming in, the shapes made by the steps and the sea wall appealed to me.

How I did it

Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM focal length 67mm, f13 15s ISO 100 I had a Lee six stop filter attached to the lens .
Basic adjustments to RAW file made in CS6 converted to mono using a gradient map on an adjustment layer, sharpened using a high pass filter highlights dropped shadows opened slightly, some localised dodging and burning and cropped down from the top, and 2px border added..

4 comments posted

Ella Schreiber   Ella Schreiber
Hi Ian: You are a very brave photographer to capture this image! With 40 mph winds blowing along with rain I do not think I would have gone anywhere near the seawall much less the stairs. Very interesting shapes, textures and tonal values in your image which emphasizes the weather and madness of the sea. I can appreciate the weather and effort you went through to capture this image. All of your effort shows in this image.   Posted: 02/11/2025 23:03:14
John Gilkerson   John Gilkerson
Ian, an image which shows the nature and necessity of North Sea defences very well. I have never been to Filey but I have made a similar image much nearer home. As well as showing the defences, tis is an interesting study in shapes.   Posted: 02/12/2025 10:02:49
Peter Clark   Peter Clark
Ian - a great study of shape, form and texture which gels nicely, especially in portrait format. The slow shutter speed has given the image an etherial quality and I particularly like the curved section of the sea wall. The low light conditions have reduced the overall contrast, but this adds a little mood to the image.
I admire your tenacity in photographing under such inclement conditions!   Posted: 02/13/2025 10:01:06
Michael Ritzie   Michael Ritzie
Ian

Nice dynamic composition, I like how the converging lines of the seawall, steps and flowing water draw the eye towards the center of the image. The contrast between the smooth, misty water and the rough, rigid texture of the stone walls justifies the long exposure. Amazing what we'll go through to get a photo isn't it?   Posted: 02/16/2025 14:01:48

 

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