Henriette Brasseur  


Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park by Henriette Brasseur

October 2024 - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

About the Image(s)

Every year in the early part of December the shaft of light appears thru the opening of the rock wall in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The light doesn’t last long but it is a beautiful sight as the light shines thru and touches bits of water. I created several masks and with a brush painted (dodged) some of the rocks to give the rock wall contrast. This is an image that is nice both in color and B/W. I decided to process this image in B/W to give more drama as the rock wall was a bit flat because it was on the shady side. This image was shot eight years ago and am not sure when I go back if I would use the same settings again. Shot with Canon EOS 7D Mk2, F7.1 @ 1/60…iso 100..


This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted




Sanford Morse   Sanford Morse
Very nice. Works well in B&W. I'd like to see the color one. What is the shaft of light doing?   Posted: 10/09/2024 12:46:23
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Ok, Sanford....here is the colored version of the image. Most likely people might like the color version more because of the warmth and light. I chose to render the image in b/w because I wanted to emphasize the rock wall more. I painted some rocks on the wall and on the splashing water near the rock wall to give contrast to the darker rocks. My idea was to give the image a more subtle look with the b/w treatment but I do like the color image as well. It's just a different feel.   Posted: 10/10/2024 04:24:33
Comment Image
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Sanford...I did a second edition of the B/W image of Pfieffer Big Sur State Park image and I like this 2nd rendition better than the one I submitted for October posting. The 2nd B/W image is more dramatic. Thanks for your comments because you got me to thinking that the first image kind of fell flat.
  Posted: 10/11/2024 19:01:04
Comment Image



Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
I'm a trouble maker Henriette. While you say many people prefer the colour version, I'm going for you B&W version. You want us to look at the rocks and the yellow light takes some of our attention away from the rocks. In the B&W, we can still see the effect of the light, but it is a supporting element to the rocks. Your second version does grab attention a little more than your original offering. Very well done.   Posted: 10/14/2024 06:20:12
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
As always I appreciate your opinion, Ian. Glad that you like the b/w image. I'm beginning to understand the power of b/w and when to select an image that is enhanced by b/w treatment. I mentioned to Trey that I really like this group because of the exchange of comments and opinions on one's images. I've really learned so much from everyone and always look forward to seeing the work of the people in our group every month. What I've learned from posting this image is to keep working at it t and to make it into an image that I'm proud of...my first interpretation was kind of flat (to be honest).   Posted: 10/22/2024 02:08:31



Gordon Watson   Gordon Watson
Quite a lot to comment on here, as we now have three versions! I think your final Mono version is best - the original was a little flat in comparison, and in the colour version, the colours look a bit odd. Maybe that's how it was, but the water looks a bit too cyan. So, in the final mono version, I like the extra depth of contrast and the light and textures of the rocks. I would suggest lightening the water - add a white layer using an Overlay Blend Mode and paint it over the water. I think it would really lift the image.   Posted: 10/15/2024 19:55:26
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Oh, thank you for Gordon for the suggestion. Previously I did apply a gradient to the water to lighten the water a bit but think it can go a bit lighter. I will try what you suggested.. didn't realize you could lighten the water by adding a white layer using an Overlay Blend Mode painting over the water.   Posted: 10/15/2024 20:01:19
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Gordon...When you mentioned lightening the water by adding a white layer using an Overlay Blend Mode and painting it over the water, this is what I did. I added a new layer, changed blend mode to Overlay, went up under the menu and changed the brush percentage to 10%. This method really lightened the waves and made the image stand out so much more and I am much happier with the results now. But, the one question I have for you is you mentioned adding a white layer, I think perhaps I missed something here....by white layer, did you mean adding a new blank layer as a new layer? As always, I am always appreciative of your suggestions.   Posted: 10/19/2024 18:20:31



Trey Foerster   Trey Foerster
Henrietta, I'm going to the Dark Side. I prefer your second B&W version. Ask yourself, what is the leading subject and what is the supportive subject? For me, the subject is the light coming thru the opening. Everything else is the supportive subject. Though the rock facings are very interesting, you don't want them to detract from your star subject; they are there to showcase your leading subject. The walls and foam help tell the story about the light. I find the upper right light on the rock wall a distraction because it takes the viewer's attention away from the main light. Ditto on the rock face at bottom left. I have attached what I would have done in an 8x10 crop with dodging and burning. Of course, it's your story and please stay true to that over my suggestions. I think this is a wonderful image and presented you with the opportunity to refine it to tell the story you want.   Posted: 10/21/2024 17:11:46
Comment Image
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Trey, I'm always open to suggestions and different interpretations. I do like how you interpreted the b/w image and the reasons why. For years my post processing techniques were just ok but not great. I knew my images could be better but didn't know many of the techniques to enhance my images. This past several months I've been working on my post processing techniques and hopefully it is beginning to show. One reason why I like this group so much is the willingness to help each other by comments, opinions and showing techniques that will better enhance our images. So Trey, thank you for showing me a different way of interpreting this scene.   Posted: 10/22/2024 01:44:39



Jay Joseph   Jay Joseph
A very unique image Henriette. As you implied, you have to be at the right place at the right time to ever see this occurrence. I also like the black and white version better than the color. It's more mysterious and makes the viewer think about the image. Well done.   Posted: 10/21/2024 18:42:36
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Thank you Jay for your nice comment. I really like how B/W focuses on the different elements in an image whether it's mood, lines, shapes, etc. and I am beginning to revisit b/w photography once again.   Posted: 10/22/2024 01:54:50



Sophie Pouillon   Sophie Pouillon
So I love this picture, its composition, your style. Now I'm frustrated, I have too many versions. You choose in the end, of course. Nothing is to be neglected... Nothing to throw away. Just different impressions and different intentions! I love it unconditionally.   Posted: 10/22/2024 16:59:00
Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Thank you Sophie for your thoughts and I appreciate your comments. The one thought that comes to mind is that in the evolution of the thought process it takes a lot of post-processing to get to the point where you are happy with the results. Sometimes I'd like to the finish line sooner with good results.   Posted: 10/22/2024 19:32:59