LIGHT WORK

These pictorial features are designed to help you better appreciate how photographers deal with subjects and situations, including some useful tricks of the trade. In this issue, landscape photographer Trevern Dawes is on New Zealand’s North Island where he finds even a seemingly quiet location can deliver a dynamic photograph.

The Picture

Waverley Beach is located between Hawera and

Wanganui on the south-west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. There’s really nothing remarkable about this whisperquiet spot. In fact, the small settlement appeared to be deserted as if to suggest it was a typical holiday or weekend retreat. As good fortune would have it, a turbulent sky with heavy rain threatening resulted in some dramatic early evening photography prospects down on the beach.

The Photographer

Trevern Dawes has the rare distinction of being a contributor to the very first issue of this magazine back in June 1979. He’s still as passionate about photography now as he was then, and continues to write about many areas of image-making and taking pictures for both books and magazine articles.

The Equipment

Canon EOS 7D and an EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM zoom lens with a 77mm UV filter attached. Aperture-priority auto exposure control at f/22 and 1/200 second with ISO 200. Manual focus.

The Technique

This image could have been converted to black and white to create a powerful seascape, but the scene was never envisaged as B&W. Besides, the hint of colour tends to add an extra dimension in an otherwise near monochromatic situation. The portrait camera orientation proved to be the better way to compose the shot to make the most of the foreground.

How It Was Done

Instead of settling down in the comfort of a campervan, a casual stroll along the beach was undertaken with no expectations of finding anything of photographic interest. Nevertheless, the combination of brooding sky, white foam and black sand offered an opportunity not to be missed just before the rain came tumbling down.

Tricks Of The Trade

The best landscape shots occur unexpectedly and always at an in convenient time. The fullframe Canon EOS 5D Mark II had been left in the campervan, but at least the 7D was there, which was more than adequate for creating an A2 print. Any travelling photographer should always to have a camera close by, even if it’s only a pocket unit, and never write off a location, no matter how dismal the prospects. A plastic poncho in the camera backpack (or pocket) is recommended just in case, as happened here, the rain starts to pelt down.

Degree Of Difficulty (Out of 10)

High-impact landscapes don’t occur very often so, if the opportunity is there, it must be captured quickly. Some formidable results can be achieved, but it’s important to ensure safety and be willing to endure some wild and wet conditions. Reacting quickly to the situation resulted in a striking result that merits a top score.

Can You Try This At Home?

You’re probably not going to be able to shoot many seascapes from home unless you’re fortunate enough to be at a cosy beach house with ocean views. However, getting out and about – even in bad weather conditions – will always increase your chances of a grabbing a great picture no matter where you are.