Santa Monica Spin #1 - Santa Monica Pier, California

The Santa Monica Pier just before sunset with the old ferris wheel. This wheel was sold on eBay for US $132,400 to an Oklahoma developer sight unseen! Now there is a new high-tech wheel in place. Timing the spin is difficult, with the other ride. The reflectivity of the sand is also important in a shot like this. It took about 20 minutes before it all came together. I've seen lots of shots from right here but none with all of these elements in place. No HDR.

Free wallpaper for over 100 of my images in 6 different screen sizes is now available!

See the 1200x1200 pixel version! It is much better.
www.flickr.com/photos/patrick-smith-photography/397749804...

Also, here is what it looked like 20 minutes later!
www.flickr.com/photos/patrick-smith-photography/275514638...

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Settings etc.:
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Canon 5D Mark I
Canon 17-40L @24
1.3-second exposure @F13
LEE soft ND grad (100x150mm) 0.9 + 0.75
Lee foundation kit filter holder with Lee 77mm adapter ring
No polarizer
ISO 50 for the long-ish exposure during the day
Small Slik tripod with Manfrotto Pistol-grip ball head.
RAW file processed with Capture One by Phase One
TIFF file processed with Photoshop

Most days are either clear or foggy, so I was happy when these clouds moved overhead to provide some nice light in the sky and on the sand. The problem was that I wished to show movement in the wheel while the ride to the right was moving as well. Then I wanted a nice shine to the sand and some waves breaking too. I try to imagine myself as a painter (yeah right... as if!), adding the elements that I want to see.

Sometimes the wheel stopped, and the dynamic feel of the resulting image was lost. Sometimes it would turn too quickly and become out of synch with the way the lights on the spokes worked, creating odd-looking effects. So a lot of experimentation was required to get a smooth and dynamic look without distracting features. Improvisation is often required to get the best photograph possible.

Anyway, it finally all came together and here it is.

See my profile for a link to my website where I have limited edition prints and less expensive open edition prints.
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Taken in: United States / California / Santa Monica (show map)

Taken on: December 26, 2006

Tags:

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Sets appears in: • Southern California

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Camera: Canon EOS 5D, f/13.0, 1.3 sec, 24mm, ISO 50 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 5D
Aperture:	f/13.0
Exposure Time:	1.3
Focal Length:	24mm
ISO:	50
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CS4 Windows
Show full info

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