Photographer waits 4 years for perfect sunburst shot

[oldbrownhat]

Jack Lodge has tried to photograph this position of the sunrise, called a sunstar, for the past four years. He said the moment is "iconic" for photographers, because it is only possible to capture over a few weeks in the winter...

[He] prefers the picture he got of a soft ethereal-like glow coming through Durdle Door.

"I think it's harder to get than the one with the star," says Lodge. "That's my personal favorite because it's so cold and the warm light just created this mist.

"The light on the sand as well, it makes it look like glass. So yeah, that one was more special for me, but they're both awesome; it's been cool to see everyone's reactions to both."

Story (and camera details) here

 

[snowman]

Thanks for posting those, obh. Beautiful. I never got into photograpy, or even taking pictures for the usual reasons: weddings, family, kids, etc. But I defintely appreciate the artistry of those understand what makes a good picture and put forth the effort to bring it all together to make it happen.

Regards,
Andy

 

[M29since14]

Those images made me stop and think. (Usually nonproductive, these days, it seems.) But thanks for posting them.

When I was learning what little I know about photography, many years ago now, pictures like the "sun star" image normally would have been considered gimmicky and wouldn't have made it far in any competition, I'd guess, if even accepted at all. I don't follow professional photography much any more, mainly because much of what I see doesn't strike me as very professional. Times change and inevitably tastes and judgments change with them. Another sobering thought, for me.

Being something of a photographic "junior dinosaur," I like both images, but vastly prefer the second one. I imagine the photographer would probably disagree with nearly everything I've written, which is perfectly ok.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Being something of a photographic "junior dinosaur," I like both images, but vastly prefer the second one. I imagine the photographer would probably disagree with nearly everything I've written, which is perfectly ok.

Follow the link. The photographer also prefers the second one (as do I, which is why I liked your post).

 

[sophie]

Both great pictures and amazing.
I prefer the second picture of the two, though I can't put my finger on the reason. Both pictures are one of a kind's for sure.

 

[oldbrownhat]

My immediate preference was also for the second pic, as was the photographer's. "The Moment" is fabulous, but, like some other things in life, "getting there is half the fun". The ambience/aura of the second picture is simply magical, and no doubt an unexpected bonus for the photographer as he realized that today was the day he was finally going to hit the jackpot.

 

[WardenRoss]

I'm weird as I think they should be presented as a pair.

Side by side.

Breathtaking!


,

 

[LVSteve]

The first picture looks like a special effect. The second shot is art. #2 for the win.

 

[ameridaddy]

Fabulous light on the second pic. I too prefer it to the star burst.

When I was a kid in Baltimore in the 50's, there was a noted photographer for the Baltimore Sun, A. Aubrey Bodine, who did street scenes, people interest shots, and landscape/historical buildings around the tri-state Chesapeake Bay area. He would plan a shot down to the date and time of day to get the effect of light and shadow he wanted.
Notice the light and details, even down to the rain drops on the water in the attached pic.
The man was truly an artist, as was the OP's photographer.

 

[2tall79]

I've always maintained that the key to a great photo is being in the right place at the right time.

 

[oldbrownhat]

I've always maintained that the key to a great photo is being in the right place at the right time.

Plus, as in this case, having unimited patience! His website is pretty fine (and probably FB & Instagram if you can see them.)

I'd love a print of the second pic but an A3 size (~11.7" x 16.5") is £250.00.

His description from the link above:

The Story

First light strikes at the drinking dragon of Durdle Door in Dorset.

WOW, WOW and WOW!!! After catching my first sunstar through the arch the week prior, I thought there's no chance of doing it again this year... well, how wrong was that.

Arriving for sunrise at Durdle Door under dark grey skies and the smallest of gaps just above the horizon, there was a little hope which is all that we need as landscape photographers. Lo and behold, 15-minutes after sunrise and BAM the light broke through and illuminated the untouched beach, casting the most incredible glow on the sea spray as it burst through the archway, giving the impression of a portal to another dimension​

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When I was playing with a 35mm film camera I had half a dozen filters, including a star. I got a really neat shot of my oldest (age 5) dressed in white on an off-white background, with a set of mirrors over his eyes. The star filter made it look like he was bursting with light. The next frame, the shudder/flash were out of sync, he had these strange blue orbs for eyes! I always preferd the starburst, he always liked the wierd one!

Ivan

 

[CalifEd]

Both great pictures and amazing.
I prefer the second picture of the two, though I can't put my finger on the reason. Both pictures are one of a kind's for sure.

I like both too.
However, the second on makes me wonder; What is around the corner, why/what is that light, is that an open door?

 

[Onomea]

Those are beautiful photos, as are the others on the photographer's website. That guy, Jack Lodge, is a heck of a good photographer.

Here's a couple more:

 

[Rudi]

Some real purdy pitchers!

 

[RobertJ.]

Those are some fantastic photos, and I really like the starburst effect.

I was hoping for the same with this photo of the wreck of the Peter Iredale, which ran aground in 1906. I took a bunch of photos, but no starburst. This was the best I got:

 

[oldbrownhat]

Those are some fantastic photos, and I really like the starburst effect.

I just spoke with my gf, who also does photography. She is sure the starburst was enhanced in Photoshop, although it's still a stunning pic.

Nice pic of the Peter Iredale According to Wikipedia,

Captain Lawrence's final toast to his ship was: "May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands."
​

 

[Nevada Ed]

I know all about it.

It is a bummer to choose between a "Shutter time" moment and a

early morning get up, to go fishing, thing.

I can see why it might have taken four years.