Exploring Spray point and Montforts Beach, Blairgowrie and an introduction to ND Filters!

Small raindrops pelted the windscreen, heading South on Peninsula Link. The forecast was rain-free, with plenty of middle and high cloud. I glanced skyward, unconvinced. It looked more like boring low cloud than anything else. Still a few hours to sunset so, keep an open mind, you just have to be in it to win it, thought I. How many times have I forgotten this: gloomy mixed up weather days often end in the best sunsets.

Touareg found a space in the small parking area at the end of Spray Point road, Blairgowrie. There I joined an adventurous group of photographers from Melbourne Photography Adventures together with George and Karolina from WeAreRawPhotography. George and Karolina offered excellent advice including encouraging us to visit, view, but more importantly, to not fall off the edge at Spray Point!

Spray Point is located roughly eight kilometres South East from Portsea “as the crow flies” down the “wild” ocean side of the Mornington Peninsula. The walk from the car park to the point is a relatively easy few hundred metres trek along a clearly marked and well trodden path up the dunes. Spray Point and neighbouring Montforts beach would be our playground for the next few hours because: photography is fun.

Facing North West, toward Sorrento and Portsea (16mm f11 1.3s ISO100 & a Six Stop ND64 filter)

Spray Point lived up to its name as a stiff ocean breeze whipped the tops of massive breakers into frenzied plumes of spray. The point offers fantastic views both North West (toward Portsea) and South East (toward Rye / Gunnamatta / Cape Schanck). One could probably spend several hours working all sorts of compositions of jagged cliff edges, pretty coastal bush, frenetic ocean activity. Just a caution: be careful not to fall off the cliff edges at Spray Point. They are well worn and quite likely unstable. Don’t let your first visit be your last.

I imagined magical images of sunlight catching plumes of spray atop huge waves. But this was not to be, due to the slightly ominous clouds that blocked the sun. Which is not necessarily a bad thing as the light was nicely diffused and we could capture images of the wider seascape/landscape without needing to deal with deep shadows vs extraordinarily bright highlights. So instead of zooming in on sea-spray, I decided to experiment with some long exposure photography. Which is where neutral density (ND) filters come in handy. These enable us to extend exposure times from “the usual mid day” mini fractions of seconds to larger fractions of seconds and even many seconds. Arguably the best way to improve our photography is just to get out and shoot as often as we can, irrespective of the weather. Experiment with different exposure times and how those interact with moving water and work out what you like and, later, why you like it.

View facing South East, over Montforts beach, toward Cape Schanck in the distance.

30mm f11 4s ISO64 and a Ten Stop ND1000 filter

Montforts Beach

If Spray Point wets your appetite, then it’s surely worth risking wet feet and venturing down to Montforts Beach just beneath the Point. Take the path leading left and, after about five hundred metres, find the wooden steps that lead up and over the dune. The platform on top affords a great view of the interesting rock formations including one shaped just like a bunny!

You probably want to visit this beach at or near to high tide so the water laps around the most interesting rocks. It’s been said that unless you get your feet wet, you won’t get the best shot when you’re trying to photograph the ocean. I believe this is often true and I’ve been known to get more than just my feet wet trying. So lose the shoes once you reach the beach, and just enjoy the water’s edge. But try not to drown your camera and lens.

Three monsters at Montforts Beach, Blairgowrie. (24mm f11 3s ISO64 & Six stop ND 64 Filter)

Getting more than my feet wet at Montforts beach. 28mm f11 3s ISO200 and a Six stop ND64 filter

A wave recedes over golden sand as the sun begins to break through. 28mm f11 3s ISO200 & ND64 Filter. About now a lovely rainbow appeared behind me. But the composition wasn’t a winner so I let it go. The rain didn’t reach us.

Very boring notes about Filters that you need to know ( so please skip this section if you already know all about filters )

I recommend getting a set of at least these three: ND8, ND64, ND1000 plus everyone should have a Circular Polariser. Filters come in almost every size imaginable. But purchase only the size that fits the largest lens you are likely to use. For most of us that will be 77mm. If you also use lenses with smaller sizes, simply buy “Step-up” rings (e.g. a 72mm to 77mm step up ring). Step up rings usually cost less than two dollars on EBAY, frequently including postage. Filters usually cost >$50 each. Step up rings can save hundreds of dollars.

Exposure correlation chart included in Nisi filters package (credit to Nisi Filters Australia)

Ok, so what does ND8 or ND64 or ND1000 mean?

Take a look at the chart alongside. The first column is the number of stops (from 1 to 20). In photography geek-speak, each stop HALVES the light. Thus a one stop ND filter is also called an ND2 because halving the light requires TWO times the exposure time to obtain an equivalent exposure. If we filter out a second stop of light we are, basically, saying 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4 i.e. a half of a half is a quarter; and that will require four times the exposure duration as compared to no filter at all. Thus a two stop filter is also known as an ND4; and of course a half of a quarter is an eighth. So a three stop filter is known as an ND8 which requires 8x the exposure of no filter at all. And so on and so on. Sometimes it’s easy to do this maths quickly enough in your head, especially once you’ve had enough practice. But it can get tricky when the light is changing constantly. So I’d suggest downloading a free app (Nisi and Lee Filters both have apps) or keeping a chart (like the one above) in one’s filter kit. The chart is simple: e.g. it shows you that if your exposure time without a filter is 1/125s then, all other things being equal, if you add an ND1000 filter, you will require 8s. An App or the chart can save precious minutes and get you closer to the winning photograph.

Dreamy sky a few minutes after sunset. A three second exposure without an ND Filter

So what happens if we stack one filter on top of another?

It’s worth mentioning that a circular polariser tends to cut the light reaching the lens by between one to two stops. So if you stack the circular polariser AND an ND filter (e.g. CP + ND8) you’re probably getting roughly half the light again i.e. 1/8 divided by 1/2 = 1/16 so you will then need SIXTEEN times the exposure vs NO FILTER at all. It is perfectly possible to also stack multiple ND filters. Stacking the ND8 together with an ND1000 will basically give you an ND8000 which would enable extra long exposure times even in the middle of the day.

I probably use my ND64 filter the most. It’s fun to think of the ND64 filter as a tool that changes seconds (or fractions of seconds) into minutes, or, fractions of minutes. Or if you’re trying to drain the battery, minutes into hours. (i.e. 64 approximates 60, so 1/2 a second without it becomes 1/2 a minute with it, etc.). One final, final note: when you use filters you should probably lock your ISO at the camera’s base ISO and work either in Aperture priority mode where you define the aperture and let the camera vary the shutter speed as required; or, if you’re making exposures longer than 30s you will likely need to work in full manual mode. Occasionally you might need to define both the aperture AND the shutter speed in which case you may need to bump up the ISO. That isn’t the end of the world. You may need to refer to your camera manual to work out how to shoot longer than 30s. I encourage everyone to get out as often as possible and just have fun with photography, especially in challenging conditions, changeable light, bad weather, etc. It’s the best way to learn.

Clouds in motion. Equivalent exposure using an ND64 filter turning three seconds into about three minutes!

Sunset at Montforts Beach

Yes, you guessed it, the sun appeared for sunset resulting in a click frenzy as everyone tried to digitise the moment forever. Here are two of my favourites. I took too many to choose.

The sun appears at sunset, Montforts Beach [16mm f13 2.5s ISO64 & ND64 Filter]

Bunny Rock basks in the setting sun, Montforts Beach. Look at that Seaspray! [24mm f8 1/13s ISO200 & No filter]. This image was captured hand-held with the Olympus EM1ii & Olympus 12-100mm F4 lens. All others were made with the Nikon D850 & Nikon 16-35mm F4 lens.

All Images have been processed to taste in Lightroom. However I do try to keep edits to a minimum. The evening sky is NOT faked. I prefer not to significantly modify my pics because I’d like them to reflect the way it really was and this sunset truly was AMAZING!

Below are three very simple shots to illustrate the effect on exposure duration for no filter, ND1000 filter, and lastly ND1000&ND8 combined. If you made it to this point, thank you for reading!

No Filters: Exposure Time = 1/60s

ND1000 Filter : Exposure time = 15s (should be 16s but camera’s nearest time is 15s). Look very carefully and you can see sixteen second hands. If you think about it you will begin to imagine how that happened.

ND1000 Plus ND8 Filters Combined : Exposure time = 120s (i.e. adding an ND8 adds 3 stops of filter to 15s which is: 15s x 2 x 2 x 2 = 120s) [ or say 15s x 2 to the power of 3] Here you need to look very carefully to see roughly sixty second hands… but, of course, it’s actually about 120 as it went round twice.

Long exposure photography in Melbourne : A quick look at the Benro FIF19CIB0 Carbon Fibre Transfunctional iFoto Series 1 Tripod Kit

A successful tripod hunt in the city lead to a tripod test in Docklands. One could hardly find a more ideal location to become better acquainted with a new toy. Here brand new creatively conceived structures sprout from each salt water sided quay like mushrooms on steroids, providing countless photo-friendly views and even some reflections. Today was more cloudy than sunny with a little wind to drive the clouds across the sky. Just the kind of weather for long exposures. What’s the most important item of photography gear in your bag?

The Melbourne Star, Docklands [330s F5.6 ISO200 ND64 + ND1000)

So, the Benro FIF19CIB0 Carbon Fiber Transfunctional iFoto Series 1 Tripod Kit .. seriously how do they arrive at these names … is a compact travel / backpacking tripod. Kit because one leg is removable and can function as a monopod. Kit because the centre column is reversible so you can get the camera very near the ground if you need to. I needed a tripod that could fit IN, rather than ON, my bag. This one qualifies as it folds all the way back on itself to 35cm. But extends to some 146cm .. call it 1.5m tall. It weighs 1.4kg but is claimed the pre-installed head can support an 8kg load. I am quite sure it would support more though it’s always advisable to play by the rules. The tripod comes in the obligatory box that includes a nicely thought out canvas bag with a usable handle/sling. Unfortunately the sling isn’t removable from the bag which means you can’t quickly interlock it to/around your backpack without using extra fasteners. Still it’s always a nice touch to have a nice strong bag to carry equipment in. Also included in the bag is a hex/allen key for maintaining some of the joints on the body.

Sky rushing over the Bolte Bridge, Docklands [176s F5.6 ISO200 ND64 + ND1000]

Ok, starting with the FEET: It comes clad with nice sturdy rubber feet and, in the box, three sharp stainless steel spikes for icy conditions. Each foot screws in to the base of each leg in a very secure way. They seem unlikely to tear off like those of some inferior tripods.

Modern buildings look so stylish : Docklands [281s F5.6 ISO200 ND64 + ND1000]

The BODY/LEGS: Ok, so, the good news is I really like it. The appearance, build quality, feel, fit, use in the hands, is excellent. No sharp edges, nothing to bite me. Yes I’ve been bitten badly by one tripod… plenty of blood… these things you only discover in the field when a perfect moment must be captured quickly and you’re rushing. Once bitten… so careful ever after with “that other” tripod. It is easy to open, close, fold, whatever. Each five-section leg is equipped with four twist-locks. All, together, can be conveniently loosened with one smooth twist of the wrist. That’s probably the key advantage of the twist-locking system. Of course you can’t see if they’re locked but they’re easy enough to lock… I didn’t find any legs unexpectedly shrinking. At the end of the day after several hours of use there were no fuzzy photographs so the conclusion is: it works. ( For the record I used the Olympus EM1-ii and the 12-100mm lens with a Nisi filter kit on it … so we’re not testing the mass limit of the tripod ).

A neat angle selection mechanism allows each leg to be locked at 23, 55 or 80 degrees. The system isn’t unique to Benro, but on this tripod seems perfectly implemented as the locks feel just right and are easy to set. All set up the tripod stands super firm. I felt very confident to walk away and not return to find it blown off its feet. No complaints with the legs after a few hours use.

The centre column is easily enough removed by unscrewing the sturdy hanger mechanism at its base. The centre column comprises two tubes which enables one to almost double it (the column) length. This is particularly useful when it is attached to the single leg as it enables the monopod to reach 1.5m height. That is probably tall enough for most, although not all, photographers. One trivial complaint is that the twist-lock mechanism controlling the extension of the centre column operates in the opposite direction from all the other twist locks on the tripod. I found that counter-intuitive and slightly confusing. But it’s not really an issue once you get used to it. One would (imo) only use it when using the monopod as raising the centre column in tripod mode is normally not a good idea except if there’s really no other way to get the height.

Wait, that’s not a tripod shot : But I simply had to take this portrait of a beautiful Docklands resident

The HEAD: I used to think I could just get a nice body and worry about the head later. WRONG. You pay so much more if you do that. Now days we have choices. So many choices. There is no reason to buy a tripod without a decent head. Unless you already have a favourite you intend to transplant. This tripod comes equiped with a BENRO IB0 Ball head. It’s a reasonably neat, solid head weighing about 320g, and equipped with three knobs. The largest, maybe disturbingly labelled, a “Ball lock”; the next a “Friction control” and the last, a “Pan lock”. They do as their labels suggest. I like that one can independently control the friction from the locking/unlocking. It worked very well enabling me to find a position where I felt the right amount of friction making it easy enough to quickly level the camera before locking the ball. Importantly, their was no noticeable change in alignment on actually tightening the ball lock. Shifting alignment on tightening can be a real ball breaker (excuse the pun) with some ball heads. Finally it’s worth noting the head attaches to the body with a very solid 9mm bolt. The head is easily enough removed by twisting off the body but it won’t fall off in a hurry as several full twists are required. I see no double locking mechanism to prevent the head from being unscrewed but no need for one either. Ok, moving on.

From wharf to Harbour Town [155s F5.6 ISO200 ND64 + ND1000 Two Images, Focus Stacked]

The top PLATE: A compact PU30 Arca Swiss type plate sits atop the head. The plate includes a small spirit level. It’s works well enough, although users of larger cameras may find it too small to properly lock on to the base. That’s not a show stopper because it’s Arca Swiss compatible and many will substitute with L brackets anyway. The release lever includes a double locking mechanism. Unscrew it to loosen but the camera can’t fall off as there are locks left/right; one must pull the lever away from tripod (toward yourself) and then rotate it further to enable equipment to be removed. Seems almost idiot proof. And I could too easily be the idiot who would loosen the plate screw instead of the ball head… so including this protection can be a camera / lens saver.

In conclusion: In a one-day-test situation it’s all good. Nothing negative to be said for it other than it would have been even better if the carry bag could have had a removable carry strap. Overall it’s quite reasonable value for money at AUD329 from digidirect.com.au in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, considering that one is able to call it a “Two for the price of one” including the monopod.

I will update this blog from time to time as this tripod weathers with me. And of course the tripod is the most important item in your bag for long exposures.

But wait, there’s more!

Black Swan : They know they have us wrapped around their gorgeousness… they do.

Image from the Benro website

Two weeks in mad-land: glimpses from the 1st 3 days

I thought I'd get back and put together a series of blogs on Madagascar. It's not easy. One must make up for time away. And before you blink two more weeks will be gone. I thought of doing themes. But I'm not sure. Maybe it's easier just working through the days. Maybe today will be a small selection from 19th to 21st July. And maybe I'll double back later. Maybe. Here goes.

Early morning: I wake up and walk outside finding two sweet Madagascan White Eyes in the tree nearest the house. A great way to start a bird walk!

Mid morning: Diesel is in the tower. There's probably only one thing on Diesel's mind. White eyes. Ok, two things, White Eyes and Fody's and the warmth of the sun. Wait that's three. And come to think of it, since Diesel is female, I think She should probably be re-named Dieseline!

Mid-day: Justin and I took a walk with our cameras. Ouma and Joelle followed a few minutes later. So we photographed them.

Justin hoping his young model approves. I think she did. I was playing paparazzi hiding behind the bushes :-)

Stuff you photograph when you're slightly bored. And it's good to just have some time sometimes. It did have amazing eyes though. It's hopefully since been eaten by one of the amazing Madagascan Bee-eaters or many Stonechats that worked the neighbourhood. We'll feature some of those another day.

Burning off energy outdoors. Sometimes literally. Boys will be boys.

Evan would spot this Raptor almost every morning maybe around 11. He'd come running and I'd do my best to shoot it. Which wasn't good enough as it was always too far by then. We think it's either a Red Kite or a Black Kite.

Burning off more energy indoors. Fortunately I don't think they've really discovered Fortnite. The flavour of the holidays was good "old" Mario Cart on the Wii.

Speaking of Forts... 

Let me finish with one more beautiful moment. I can only imagine what she's saying.

A misty morning (sunday 10th june)

I didn't sleep well. Waking at 03:47 and not sleeping again. Some may say that's normal, but not for me. I turned on the radio and learned it was foggy in Melbourne. So around 6:15 (at least 1 hour before sunrise) I departed for the city. At 06:30 and half way there I pondered how it could be totally dark so close to sunrise. I stopped at McDonalds for a large Cappuccino and made my way into Melbourne. But the fog, if it had been there earlier, had vanished with any thoughts of shooting the city skyline shrouded in mist.

Instead I parked in Linlithgow Avenue, beside the Queen Victoria Memorial, and proceeded to make the most of an unusually (for me) early wake up. Most of the Melbourne shots were taken around the popular (for wedding shoots) Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda.

Around 07:30 I hopped back in the car and headed home. Then I noticed dense fog in one of the local valleys just above the Dandenong Creek. So I detoured to Nortons Park and took a few slightly misty moments. Hope you enjoy!

Autumn leaves still lie easily 10cm thick on the ground here. Doesn't look cold but it was no warmer than 3.5 degrees c!

A selfie ten minutes before sunrise.

Reflections of the Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda (07:28)

Some real mist in Nortons Park and filling the valley beyond. (8:08 am). No sunshine to be seen yet due to dense clouds on the Eastern horizon (behind me).

A darker feel using Lightroom's "Punch" B&W preset.

Misty simplicity