Dennis Lee
July 2026 - Sea Stack at La Bufadora
About the Image(s)
The sea stack next to La Bufadora, on Mexico’s Baja California coast, was formed over thousands of years as relentless wave erosion wore away the surrounding cliffs, leaving behind a pillar of resistant rock. It serves as a dramatic natural landmark beside the famous blowhole.
5s, f/1.8, ISO100 (iPhone)
11 comments posted
I've pondered your image several times and trying to get a good handle on how I feel about it. First, I think you did an excellent job of capturing it in black and white. Second, I like how you were able to soften the wave action. That said, I don't think this is especially well-composed. To me, it seems like more like a snap shot a tourist would take. I think there are a couple of problems: The composition of the sea stack competes for attention between the background cliffs and the rocks jutting out with the cars and people. The tonal range seems very similar throughout, making it hard to see anything that really stands out. I wasn't there so I don't know what the setting was actually like. If possible, I think it would have made a better composition if you have been able to capture it without those distractions by moving to the left and shooting it with the open sea as a backdrop. And maybe in this instance, color would have made a more powerful image -- dark rock against a blue sea and white waves. Just my 2-cents worth. Posted: 07/02/2026 15:43:37
Hi Mike, I appreciate your feedback. I agree that the subject is competing with the busy surroundings. I struggled between the color and the black and white version of this image myself. Attached is the color version of the image for comparison. I have removed the cars and people on the left based on your feedback and from the group. Posted: 07/07/2026 17:22:44
I think this is much better. I love the colors of the ocean and the dark rocks. Removing the people and cars alleviates the visual distractions. Your revisions have created a far more compelling image. Posted: 07/07/2026 17:56:21
Hi Dennis,
This looks like a wonderful location, and I am sure it offers many opportunities for photography. Looking at the image, I think it was taken around midday in harsh light; therefore, a black-and-white conversion is a reasonable choice. Indeed, the way you captured the water around the sea stack is excellent because it isolates the rock from the rest of the image.
However, I agree with Mike that there is perhaps a bit too much going on in the frame. Moving slightly to the left to avoid the background landscape and the cars might have made for a stronger composition.
I also think that photographing the scene earlier or later in the day, when the light is less direct, would have allowed for more pronounced shadows and highlights, giving the image greater depth and a stronger sense of three-dimensionality.
best wishes
Michele Posted: 07/03/2026 10:16:14
This looks like a wonderful location, and I am sure it offers many opportunities for photography. Looking at the image, I think it was taken around midday in harsh light; therefore, a black-and-white conversion is a reasonable choice. Indeed, the way you captured the water around the sea stack is excellent because it isolates the rock from the rest of the image.
However, I agree with Mike that there is perhaps a bit too much going on in the frame. Moving slightly to the left to avoid the background landscape and the cars might have made for a stronger composition.
I also think that photographing the scene earlier or later in the day, when the light is less direct, would have allowed for more pronounced shadows and highlights, giving the image greater depth and a stronger sense of three-dimensionality.
best wishes
Michele Posted: 07/03/2026 10:16:14
Hi Michele, thank you for the thoughtful feedback. It was definitely an interesting location, but it was also quite the tourist trap. There were a lot of tourists and vendors around and we only had less than an hour in the area with the tour group, and during the harsh mid-day sun. I'm really glad that the long exposure of the water helped isolate the sea stack somewhat. I also agree with everyone that there is a bit too much in the frame. I will keep in the mind the tip about moving to the left to reduce the distractions and strengthen the composition. If I were to go back, I would love to do so during dawn or the golden hour, as you suggest. I am sure it will give it more depth and make for a more compelling image. Posted: 07/07/2026 23:42:18
This looks like an interesting location to photograph. You captured well the dynamics of the sea around the sea stacks. B/W conversion works to focus the motion of the sea against the static sea stacks. I agree with the others excluding the cars on the left side would make a cleaner image. Posted: 07/06/2026 05:24:27
Hi Spring, thank you for your comment. Yes, it was an interesting location with the sea stacks and a blowhole that drew a crowd of visitors. I am glad that the B/W conversion works to isolate the motion of the waves against the sea stacks, as I was going back and forth between the color version or the black and white one. I have gone back to my image and removed the cars and the people on the left side, and that did clean up the image quite a bit. Appreciate the recommendation.
Posted: 07/07/2026 23:58:38
Posted: 07/07/2026 23:58:38
Dennis, I really like this image. The very slow shutter speed does an excellent job of making the water around the sea stack look turbulent and full of motion. The sea stack itself is tack-sharp, and the surrounding land is equally crisp, creating a great contrast with the silky water.
I would have been interested to see the composition shifted about 90 degrees to the left, emphasizing more of the open ocean and less of the land in the background. That said, I think rmy removal of the people and cars on the left was a good editing choice, as it helps keep the viewer's attention on the dramatic rock formation and the movement of the sea. Posted: 07/06/2026 23:57:08
I would have been interested to see the composition shifted about 90 degrees to the left, emphasizing more of the open ocean and less of the land in the background. That said, I think rmy removal of the people and cars on the left was a good editing choice, as it helps keep the viewer's attention on the dramatic rock formation and the movement of the sea. Posted: 07/06/2026 23:57:08
Hi Tom, I really appreciate your comments. I was intentionally going for the slow shutter image to show the turbulent water against the stoic sea stacks. I am intrigued and I will keep the tip of moving more to the left in mind for the next opportunity and capture the sea stacks in front of the open ocean instead. I really like your version of the image with the people and the cars removed, as it definitely remove the visual clutter and brings the attention back to the sea stacks and the sea. Thanks for doing so! Posted: 07/08/2026 00:05:29
Coming late to the party this month I find that all the comments I'd make have already been said. My main two concerns would have been the lack of contrast and also the cars and people. Worth another visit in better lighting conditions for sure. Good motion in the water. Posted: 07/08/2026 14:33:50
This is a good photo of presenting a natue wonder. It tells a story, especially with people around. I like the composition except removing all the cars on the left. Posted: 07/09/2026 00:16:22