Surf

Editing:
This photo was originally overexposed, so I began by lowering the exposure and correcting the color of the water, which the camera had captured as a dull blue-gray. I shifted it toward a blue-green tone to create a more tropical, warm feeling, even though the photo was taken in the fall. I then increased the contrast to define the shapes more clearly, using the contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks tools. I also increased the texture to help the footprints, sea foam, and especially the strong diagonal tire tracks stand out. Finally, added a clipping mask over the surfers to darken them into silhouettes. This introduced an element of mystery while also making the scene more relatable, allowing any surfer to imagine themselves in that moment.


Analysis:
When taking this photo and choosing which image from the series to use, the composition of the photo became the deciding factor. The surfers are positioned according to the rule of thirds, and the strong diagonals throughout the scene guide the viewer’s eye across the image. The men walking along the beach create an interesting narrative, especially with one of them pointing toward something outside the shot. There is also a slightly comical or joyful tone introduced by the man carrying his surfboard on his head, which not only makes the moment unique but also adds another diagonal to reinforce the rhythmic repetition in the composition. Additionally, the contrast between the sharp shapes of the footprints and tire tracks and the soft, rounded texture of the sea foam enhances the overall visual tension. Divided not only by textures but by contrasting colors, these elements create a subtle commentary on the interaction between nature, continuously washing away their footprints, and the human impact on the environment, continuously adding more footprints.

(Scroll and click lowest image for full view (non-cropped)).