Whatever title you like

An HDR photograph of a Great Bay Boulevard sunset by Manahawkin, NJ, photographer Greg Molyneux. In this photograph the sun sets next to an abandoned boat dock.
Whatever title you like — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 100 | 7 Bracketed Exposures

First things first—I’m not in love with this shot. I’m not even sure I like it. I made my way to Great Bay Boulevard with a specific location and an already framed shot in mind. You see, I had already conceived a shot on my during my last trip to Great Bay Boulevard; only I was clouded out and unable to shoot. It was this that setup I had in mind with tonight’s more favorable sky conditions in mind. All of this is notable considering I seldom do much active mental planning regarding my shots. While I often revisit familiar places, I try to let the moment dictate the composition.

When I arrived on scene I immediately knew I was hosed. A floating dock had rammed its way up the boat ramp—the spot I was already planning to setup shop. None of this was surprising considering the powerful Nor’easter that blew through here yesterday. I should have expected as much.

What you see above is Plan B. And a haphazard plan at best. I don’t think I spent enough time finding the best composition at my location. More scouting will be required in the future. Nevertheless the sky colors did not disappoint, and it just felt good to be back out shooting again. It had been five days and I was getting stir crazy. Especially with all the potential snow my area just missed out on.

Related to this evening’s photos shoot, I ran into a fellow sunset chaser. He was a Nikon shooter and I didn’t catch his name, but he was out taking in the departing sun as well. As we were both wrapping up he took note of the still unseen-to-me rising full moon over the marshland that was previously at our backs. Once I fixed my gaze I was instantly transfixed. Alas I have no telephoto. Fortunately he did and here’s to hoping he got off a great shot.


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6 responses to “Whatever title you like”

  1. Sue Avatar
    Sue

    This shot is everything I hope to see for years and years….someday in my future. It captures a gorgeous, lazy afternoon sunset on the bay. Bliss!
    Absolutely love it!

  2. Ben Avatar

    Plan B looks pretty darn good to me. Composition is spot on.

    I saw the moon and was thinking the same thing. All we needed to do was turn around and take notice. Haha

  3. Greg Molyneux Avatar
    Greg Molyneux

    Hearing this makes my day, Sue. I’m glad this photo takes you to that lazy afternoon feeling—one of the best parts of the shore.

  4. Greg Molyneux Avatar
    Greg Molyneux

    Totally. Also, I gotta get that 400mm.

  5. Marybeth Avatar
    Marybeth

    Hey Greg… BEAUTIFUL work… great shots you have taken. I hope you will graduate from calling yourself “amateur” to professional… gorgeous shots. You have a way of making some of your photos look painted!! Thinking of the one with the storm cloud and grass below. Outstanding. Hope you get to show your work in a gallery soon…. good luck to you!

  6. Greg Molyneux Avatar
    Greg Molyneux

    Thank you for the kind words, Marybeth. I’m still a little uncomfortable with the idea of assuming non amateur status. Perhaps once I make the plunge and start selling some of my work. Until then, thanks for stopping by and I hope you drop back in.

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