Ian Cambourne
December 2025 - Mona Vale Sunrise
About the Image(s)
Six or so weeks ago, a friend and I ventured to one of Sydney's northern suburbs beaches for a sunrise session. Mona Vale has a nice rock shelf area that is quite interesting with the flowing water. I've heard somewhere before that the sun shouldn't be included in an image, due to it being the obvious bright spot that draws the eye, but I quite like it and also its little spots of reflections. And after all, the sun is really a bright spot no matter how you want to look at it.
Details are: Nikon D810; Nikon zoom (sorry, but I forget which particular one) at 34mm; ISO 140; F22; 1/20. I probably also used a 6 stop GND filter to bring the sky down some.
3 comments posted
I like the angle of the rock shelf in the foreground with the beautiful warm light reflections from the sunrise. Placing the foreground rock shelf where you did draws the eye right into the image where it leads the view right to the sun. I like the soft lighting on the water just beyond the first rock shelf The only suggestion would be to come in on the left side just a bit. Overall, a really nice composition Ian. Posted: 12/13/2025 14:49:42
I don't have a problem with including the sun in a sunrise shot if the exposure is well handled, and I think you have done a good job here - especially for a single shot. Did you consider an HDR approach? I like the way the light catches the rocks in the foreground, but I find myself looking around for a main subject. The rocks are quite flat and dark and the sky mostly clear blue, so there is nothing to really hold the interest other than the sun. However well done for getting out for sunrise (the best time for photography in my opinion) and your shot gives you a good memory of the morning. Posted: 12/16/2025 10:53:52
Ian,
This sunrise shot beautifully captures the dynamic energy of the starburst sun, which immediately draws the viewer's attention. Like Gordon, I believe having a clear subject is important, and in this image, the sun certainly stands out as the focal point. To enhance the composition, consider trying a 4x6 crop with the sun positioned at the intersection of the top and left thirds (following the rule of thirds). This adjustment can add depth by focusing the viewer's gaze on a specific segment of your broader scene, creating a more intimate connection with the photograph.
With the suggested crop, the viewer's eye is naturally drawn towards the water, which acts as a visual pathway leading up to the sun. This compositional choice guides the experience and emphasizes the tranquil interaction between the ocean and sunlight. Additionally, experimenting with a 3-shot HDR sequence could provide greater flexibility when processing, allowing you to accentuate details in the rock shelf and balance the highlights and shadows throughout the scene.
I have to admit I'm envious that you have such close access to the ocean. It's a fantastic advantage for capturing these vibrant moments.
Posted: 12/18/2025 20:51:43
This sunrise shot beautifully captures the dynamic energy of the starburst sun, which immediately draws the viewer's attention. Like Gordon, I believe having a clear subject is important, and in this image, the sun certainly stands out as the focal point. To enhance the composition, consider trying a 4x6 crop with the sun positioned at the intersection of the top and left thirds (following the rule of thirds). This adjustment can add depth by focusing the viewer's gaze on a specific segment of your broader scene, creating a more intimate connection with the photograph.
With the suggested crop, the viewer's eye is naturally drawn towards the water, which acts as a visual pathway leading up to the sun. This compositional choice guides the experience and emphasizes the tranquil interaction between the ocean and sunlight. Additionally, experimenting with a 3-shot HDR sequence could provide greater flexibility when processing, allowing you to accentuate details in the rock shelf and balance the highlights and shadows throughout the scene.
I have to admit I'm envious that you have such close access to the ocean. It's a fantastic advantage for capturing these vibrant moments.
Posted: 12/18/2025 20:51:43