Canon EOS R6 Mark II • Canon EF 24??“105mm @ 105mm • f/10 • 1/200 sec • ISO 100
This image was captured from the Amanohashidate View Land lookout during my recent trip to Japan. I was drawn to the graceful S-shaped sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay, creating a natural leading line toward the distant shoreline and mountains. In processing, I aimed to preserve the natural atmosphere while enhancing the sense of depth and the contrast between the sea, the pine-covered sandbar, and the surrounding landscape. One artistic decision I found particularly challenging was how much atmospheric haze to retain over the distant mountains. While reducing the haze reveals more detail, I also wanted to preserve the natural sense of distance. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on whether the current balance feels convincing, along with any comments or suggestions regarding the composition, tonal balance, depth, and overall visual impact.
5 comments posted
Pierre Williot
Hi Frans,
I believe that you achieved your goals.
The nice large S shape, followed by another coastal S shape in the same diagonal line is helping in producing your vision. The slight decrease in sharpness in on the far away coast, as well as the darker background is also helping with the depth.
No suggestion for improvement.
Well done! Another keeper. Posted: 08/12/2026 23:25:22
Geoff Wiggins
The trees flow into the scene well, lighting and all the tech stuff is as usual well done. Trust you had a good trip to Japan, Louise and I have been several times and never boar of the country. Posted: 08/14/2026 01:45:41
Jerry Baumann
Frans, The amount of haze is very nice (and convincing). I wonder if including a bit more of the foreground might have anchored the image more in contrast/tone/luminance. If it was cropped, perhaps shifting the bottom of the crop? Posted: 08/14/2026 15:56:42
Kirk Gulledge
Hi Frans- What a gorgeous location and landscape! That S curve is captivating, and I can see why you made it the center of your image. I like Jerry's idea of building up the foliage in front to set off the rest of the image, and personally I would opt for a little less haze. But I love the image. So glad you submitted it.
Posted: 08/15/2026 00:40:48
Bradford Johnson
Nice photo Frans! Your S shape capture draws me in all the way to the distant mountains then back to the scalloped beaches which keeps me there. There is quite a bit of depth in your image, where you expertly separated the foreground, midground and background. Nice work! Posted: 08/18/2026 01:12:36
