This photo was taken at Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The weather had been cold, rainy, and overcast, so I tried to use that as the story for this image. While the light has been decommissioned and no longer has the beacon going in bad weather, it still tells a good story of the harshness of the lake and the north shore. I used a 30 second exposure to smooth and get a slightly dreamy effect over the water. The settings used were: Canon R5, 24-105RF lens at 30 seconds, 105mm, f/20, and ISO of 400. I also used an ND filter to enable the slow shutter speed. Post was in Lightroom with some cropping, and multiple masks to reduce shadows, improve the sky, and brighten the lighthouse. I kept getting some bright edges on parts of the trees and lighthouse, even though I used a brush to try to fix them, so I need to learn more about that.
5 comments posted
Butch Mazzuca
One of the least talked about aspects of photography, at least from what I read in these DD reviews is mood - capturing a mood is truly upper level photography and that's what you did here Gary - I'm not going to describe what everyone can see with their own eyes, but I have to comment on the mood - wonderful shot, worthy of a wall :-) Posted: 07/09/2025 19:12:24
Gary Jones
Thanks for the feedback Butch. The mood just happened, rather than something I thought about. I just captured what was there. I appreciate the positive feedback on the image. Posted: 07/28/2025 19:46:10
Raymond Tice
Gary - I agree completely. The location of the lighthouse on the left third, the balance and dtonality between the sky and water, the 2 rocky areas jutting out of the water all make fpr a great photo. Ray Posted: 07/09/2025 23:38:34
Ian Cambourne
Congratulations on a simply superb image Gary. Your composition, use of the elements before you, processing and presentation are all excellent. This is one for you to be very proud of. Posted: 07/15/2025 00:38:29
Sherry Icardi
Just a fantastic image! Excellent clarity despite the conditions at the time, and you've captured the lonely spirit of a deserted Lighthouse.
As far as your light spots....I never do any really fine work like that in LR. If I have to remove something my go to is Photoshop. All the updates they done lately have really upped the ability to do fine touchups and masks that it would require. They have improved LR too, but it can't compete with PS (I'm sure that was on purpose ). The good thing is you can do and redo until you have it like you wanted. Posted: 07/15/2025 16:30:11
