A Reason for Being

© Stephen Shoff

A Reason for Being

Uploaded: January 28, 2014

Description

f/10.0, 1/200, ISO 400, +0.7 exp. comp.; Tamron 18-200 f3.5-6.3 OSS @ 32mm

A wonderful place for a stroll on a bright, Sunday afternoon

Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse
Mendocino, CA

Exif: F Number: 10, Exposure Bias Value: 0.70, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 21.80 mm, Model: NEX-7

Comments

Stephen Shoff January 29, 2014

This was the picture I took, and is the picture I wanted. #1561421

Stephen Shoff January 29, 2014

But I just couldn't resist... #10959148

Stephen Shoff January 29, 2014

...and now for the image #10959149

Stephen Shoff January 29, 2014

...drum roll please... #10959150

Teresa H. Hunt January 29, 2014

Oh I like them both. I love the erethrial feel of the original post. But I like the drama of the B&W better. Lovely image. :) #10959433

Rita K. Connell level-classic January 29, 2014

this is one of those either or works but for me I find the building on the left a distraction from the light house and beautiful fog that you captured. I would crop it. Sorry!!! #10959455

Anthony L. Mancuso January 29, 2014

Excellent image Stephen...

I prefer the colored version and agree with Rita's comment about the other building.

#10959515

Debbra Bailey January 29, 2014

I too like both versions, and I think Rita's suggestion is worth trying! #10959759

Jeff E Jensen January 29, 2014

I like the black and white, but also agree with Rita. #10959868

Dale Hardin January 29, 2014

Black and white for me also, as well as the crop. It's a fantastic find Stephen, and beautifully composed and thought out. #10959979

Stephen Shoff January 29, 2014

we'll see if I can get this the first time this time. #10959987

Debbra Bailey January 30, 2014

YES! Love it! #10960097

Rita K. Connell level-classic January 30, 2014

Much better and it captures all the feelings you were going for. Really like it! Great capture #10960182

Teresa H. Hunt January 30, 2014

Love the crop!!

Do we get to see it in B&W? #10960288

Peter W. Marks January 30, 2014

Of course I am going to be contrary and say I have faved it just as it is with the shed included. There is a whole history behind this light station that was built in 1909 and it is still very much a working lighthouse that flashes every 10secs. Nautical charts show the locations of lighthouses and lighted buoys and they each have different patterns of flashes and intervals between flashes and these identify their locations to mariners.
The fresnel lenses of Point Cabrillo lighthouse were made in England and shipped around Cape Horn.
Thanks for showing us this Stephen.
#10960397

Kalena Randall January 30, 2014

Nice shots all the way around! The fog layer in this shot is awesome. I love the tranquility of the scene! #10960442

Stephen Shoff January 30, 2014

The crop didn't lose as much of the feel of the fog moving in as I expected it to, Rita. Nice call.

Teresa, I don't plan on revising the B&W. It is already submitted for the contest and I'm not completely sold on the crop. I'm more likely to investigate just removing the two antennae that seem historically out of place.

Peter's point is well taken. Although my review didn't indicate that this lighthouse is active as a navigational aid, its original Fresnel lens was remounted in the restoration project. As I explored Mendocino county, I became aware that there was a lot more to the lighthouse experience than just the tower. There were many outbuildings associated with maintaining the service. Often, 3 or families staffed the lighthouse, each with their own house...almost a village. Here is an image of a lighthouse about 30 miles down the coast in a more remote section of coastline. Both this and the Pt. Cabrillo lighthouses have a series of houses that are now rented out as vacation cottages. The inset shows the compound from a different angle with a lot of buildings in the complex as well as a modern helipad.

#10960560

Beth Spencer January 30, 2014

Stephen I really like the Black and white picture and the way the fog creates the mood of the picture. These all really make me want to spend time there, looks so peaceful! #10960606

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