Love the color and cloud reflections and ripples. I think I would crop off a tiny bit on the left to get rid of that smaller rock behind the giant boulder.

Al Crossley

Mar 30, 2020

Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful suggestion, Frances. Although it doesn't bother me a lot, I see what you mean. Always good to have other eyes on your work. Cheers.

Bob Lindquist

Apr 10, 2020

This is a provocative image. So very much to love about it....... I do have a sense of wonder, too. Wonder at the awesome shot, but also wonder about what would it look like if the camera was place ed in two locations. One thing I notice the blue reflection line to the left of the foreground rock. Would that and an implied line of rocks point at the rising sun? If you jumped in front of the foreground rock and instead used the rock in mid ground as a shape in the new adjusted foreground, how would that look? Your shot is so stunning ...... I just wonder how images taken from those locations would also look. But then again, such magic skies do not last very long....... Fantastic job.

Al Crossley

Apr 10, 2020

Bob--thank you so much for the thoughtful commentary. Your last line is perhaps the point. The sun was only partially visible, and I wanted to get that sliver before it disappeared. Another thing that drew me to my vantage point was the area of ripples in the sand (right foreground) which provided some interest, and to use the big rock to create a diagonal with the sun . But all your points have merit, and unfortunately I can't give you direct answers. I did make other images at different times that morning, but from areas farther away, and not while the sun was visible. For all the national parks I've been to, that beach is still one of my favorite places to shoot. Of course, the sand changes the rock layout each year--sometimes each week-- so I can't go back to try your ideas. But I'm glad you enjoyed the image, and most flattered by your kind words. Take care!

Bob Lindquist

Apr 13, 2020

You really did an amazing job! A quotes from flyfishing that apply to photography.

1) You can never step into the same river twice.

It just makes it so much more challenging:-)

Looking forward to more images ........ you have set the bar very high:-)

David Robinson

Apr 13, 2020

Stunning image, great composition that flows nicely into the picture. The colours are simply magnificent. Great job.

Al Crossley

Apr 13, 2020

Many thanks, David, for taking the time to comment and for your kind words. The sunrises the previous three mornings were absolute duds, so I tried to make the most of this one.