A few images from my trip to Montrose Beach, 6 October 2009. A beautiful cool day, about 55 degrees and blowing about 20 kts. I’d brought some pods, thinking maybe I’d find someplace to shoot them. Little did I expect that to send them sailing. It was ridiculous fun.

Arrival. The sight that greeted me. The clouds blowing through were spectacular.

Beachpond. Large portions of the beach are flooded following days of rain.

Adrift. I like that the end of the pond is out of sight. They may be going on a journey.

Windblown ripples detract from this image, one of several with similar compositions. I think the effect worth noting because the next image has them in still water just a minute later. I think it’s partly the texture of the water and partly the better contrast between the lighter reflected sky and the more darkly colored pods.

Aground.

Afternoon. The sun at this hour makes shooting fun. Many shots experimented with this group of run-aground pods. This is my favorite. Yes, it has ripples. Given my previous commentary, I wanted to figure out why the shot still works for me, and better than a similar one with still water. The ripples are visible as light and dark bands on the pond floor; they give order to the visually-cluttered pond floor. Also, the light is strong, the shadows sharp, the camera better-focused.

Restraint. The wind was fierce; a piece of wood held my flotilla back until the camera was ready.

Ripple. Cropping was a challenge and worked best when the image is only peripherally about the pods.

Meniscus. The wind wasn’t always fierce; the beach is sheltered by a ridge and the trees inhabiting it.

Photographer.

Bands. The eastern sky; the end of the day.