Dirk,

I like your picture! I think you could do better with the darkening round the outside, though. Did you put a new layer on with the black gradient? If yes, try using "soft light" as the layer mode (you might need to duplicate the layer then to get the same degree of darkening).

Just an idea (but I really shouldn't give hints to the competition (unless I want to lead you the wrong way, of course )).

Prieni

Selsey beach, taken in 2004.

Andy, that was the intention of this post. I read this idea somewhere a while ago and recently I remembered having a polariser for my old lens.

Prieni

Well, that's true. But the 52 mm polariser is quite old and was a cheap one anyway. Guess I have to order a 58 mm one soon (and perhaps a set of ND filters for the Cokin holder).

Thanks Chris,
I can't really say how they were oriented. I had to concentrate on getting the exposure long enough and still see what was in the frame. It was a matter of framing, adjust the front polariser (without changing focus) and taking the picture (while shielding the camera/tripod with my body from the wind).

But I think you wouldn't be able to suppress the reflections from the sun on the wet stones completely whatever the position was. I have these reflections on all the shots (as long as the sun wasn't hidden behind clouds), I just checked.

Prieni

After my last try in the evening that didn't yield satisfying results I went out to the shore again this weekend. Instead of waiting for the light to fade I used my old Kiron 70-210 for which I have a polarizer (52 mm, not fitting on the newer lenses). Together with the polarizer for the filter holder I was able to cut out enough light for some long (~10 s) exposures. Here is one of the results. The colour was quite a bit off, blueish tint, but SilkyPix and some colour balance work in PS helped.
This one was A16 and 10s:



I'm reasonably pleased as it was quite windy that evening. Only thing I didn't like was the foam that was quite abundant.

C&C welcome.

421€ is 285£ in my currency converter. So it seems it's a bit cheaper in France.

Having lived in England for six years I doubt that you find many items to be cheaper there...

Yes, that's really nice. Having the ability to put the lightsource where you want it does help!
I have an idea why your night pictures seem to come out better: It's the natural time to take photos for most of us (i.e. UK, Europe). So I guess Pentax is adjusting their cameras to this important market.
Could it be that you bought a European model?


But back to the pic: I think it could be a bit warmer, for me it looks a bit blueish. The harsh shadows look nice on the drops, not as nice on the petals at about 1 o'clock (direction, not time of taking, of course). Maybe you could work on the technique with a second, weaker torch. I see lots of potential for fun outings...

Prieni

Pete, it was worth the wait! I think they're great and I'm sure the happy couple will be mighty pleased.
Well done! Hope to hear some stories of the day (that is supposing that you didn't drink yourself into oblivion after the shoot to forget all about it).

Prieni

Hey Pete, that's not fair, wetting the appetite and when you follow the link there's an empty gallery
I'm sure sooner or later we will see some of these elusive wedding photos...

Edit: When I wrote this Pete's message wasn't there! So I will hang in here for a few more minutes. What a suspense!