The water in Partington Cove on the central California coast is deep enough for kelp to grow from the bottom, and relatively calm. But at least at low tide, the kelp is longer than the water depth, so that it lays down just under the surface in a mat that undulates with the swells coming in. As it does so it alternately stretches straight and contracts into curves which make fascinating patterns. All of this happens over a mostly sandy bottom that reflects a brilliant blue when the sun is high. I spend about half an hour photographing this, and while I couldn't eliminate all of the less attractive portions, I think I caught some nice patterns.
Edit: at the suggestions several people I have replaced the brightly reflecting kelp in the corner with some more normally toned seaweed.
I like this. It has an abstract feel to it, and it takes the mind a minute or two to wrap itself around what it's seeing. The vibrant colors play well off of each other.
This is really a gorgeous photograph both artistically and photographically!
The color of the kelp and the blue sea water are a perfect complement. My only possible suggestion would be to tone down the upper left corner with the brighter kelp. My eye kept wandering up to the corner when it should have stayed in the more interesting patterns of the kelp below it.
Thanks, Jim. Tim and Tom. it was almost a hypnotizing scene!
Tom, I agree about the corner. I have already applied a masked curve that lowers the output level substantially to tone down the highlights. Looks like I either need to take that further or look for something that can be credibly cloned into the area. Frustrating, but I just couldn't eliminate it when framing the picture or cropping without losing to much of the "good" kelp.
Dave ,
Great comp it can really draw you in as you stare at it.
I also think Toms suggestion of bringing down the left upper corner will only enhance the image , colors are beautiful and this is really well seen.
Regards,
Dean
Thanks, Tom. That corner bothered my from the start and I tried to tone it down, but it wasn't enough. I appreciate your point it out and giving me a reason to find a better solution.
Thanks muchly Rajan, Carl, Scott, Dustin and Aaron. Your comments are very much appreciated. It was nice to happen upon something unique on the well-photographed California coast (especially something that worked in bright midday sunshine!).
