Monday, 23rd March 2009
Bandon Coast Sunset
by Stephen Oachs
We arrived in Bandon Oregon to a big coastal storm. The weather was moving fast, it was cold and windy, but balmy in comparison to the 7100 foot rim of Crater Lake. I walked down the beach amazed by all the sea stacks. I decided I needed a better vantage point and the rogue waves lapping at the shallow beach scared me (after my wipe out a few weeks ago) so I decided to climb up on a rock... A BIG ROCK.
I finally found a good one that was very high but the surf was reaching it so I knew it would be risky...I might get up there and find the tide wouldnt receed to let me down. I did it anyway...what the heck, right? I get up there and when I look back at the path I just took I realized going up was a hell of a lot easier. Getting down would not be easy. Instead of worrying about who and how I would be rescued, I decided to shoot and deal with that later.
As I sat there watching the weather roll through I didn't think I'd get any color and figured this would be a monochrome shot, at best. Then, these giant waves came rolling in and the sun broke through a small hole and eluminated the entire scene. I quickly fired off a few shots and then the it started pouring.
I don't know exactly how I did it but I managed to climb back down that huge steep sea stack, waited for the surf to pull back enough to give me sand to jump too and ran up the beach, chased by a big wave.
I probably looked like a total goof (don't answer that) but it was fun.
Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first SLR camera. Ever since, his lenses have focused on the inspiring majesty of mother earth and the unflinching beauty of the animal kingdom.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic Magazine for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard.
Stephen has received many other awards and his work has graced the pages of on and offline publications worldwide, such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.lighttheexpedition.com
Bandon Coast Sunset by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Monday, 23rd March 2009. It is tagged Coast, Sea. You can leave a comment below.
25 Comments
Katherine Lee Strassburg
Your photos are always perfectly composed and exposed, and they always tell a great story. This one is other-worldly–almost ethereal. I was glad you chose to tell us the craziness involved in sharing your vision with us. Sometimes a picture is worth more than a thousand words! I especially like this one–thanks so much for being so impetuous.
James and Kelly Stone
Beautiful piece of art here Stephen. The composition here is perfect and really draws the viewer into the scene. Very serene. Congratulations. Glad you made it safely back!
Anurag
What stands out is the unusual color of the water. I really like the line formations of the moving water. Your story reiterates that it takes hard work and grit to achieve the perfect shot.
Su
This shot could be of another planet, and I love a good story line it draws the viewer into the shot even more. Congrats well done on potd
Malta Photography
Great shot Stephen, as usual your shots include water in a different form. Very nice shot indeed especially the balanced lighting everywhere.
Pauline Jones
Great composition; perfect lighting and color.
SérgioLuÃsSilva
Your photos are a real inspiration for amateurs like me. The composition is excelent and the hard work you had by taking this photo, gave extra points to your work. Good detail and beautiful light and color!!
SérgioLuÃsSilva
Your photos are a real inspiration for amateurs like me. The composition is excelent and the hard work you had by taking this photo, gave extra points to your work. Good detail and beautiful light and color!!
Matthew Harvey
Wow ! Good effort to be in the right place at the right time for this one. Have subscribed for your updates. ;o)
Renee
The colors are very nice, well done!
Marie Dunphy Harding
A Beautiful & successful shot.From your description, it appears that it could have been your last! Is photography worth living ‘life on the edge’?
Igor Lulanovic
Beautiful photo!
Patricia Renee
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful spots on the earth. You gave it the justice it deserves. Outstanding.
Dennis
Excellent composition and exposure. Very beautiful image.
Evan Spellman
Wow, I must say that as a landscape photographer myself I am in awe of this shot, Just Super Beautiful!! Well Done!!
Stephen Oachs
Thank you everyone, this is one of my favorites so I’m glad you all like it too!
I’m not sure why but the colors in this image seem to have been skewed in the upload process. Here’s the link to the original image if you’d like to see it as intended:
http://stephenoachs.com/gallery-bandon-sunset.php
Mandy Kilpatrick
The time elapse always give these kind of photos of yours a surreal feeling. Congratulations and interesting rock formations.
Derek
Awesome shot. My kind of photo. The contrast between the colour of rocks on the left and the ones on the right is interesting to say the least. Well done.
Sue Gagnon
Interesting and compelling.
Adam
Amazing photo. Beautiful.
mike
Nice landscape.
Su
Certainly one of my favorites.
Renee
It’s like glowing
Rajib Singha
I just love it.
Alan Majchrowicz
Great image!