Well compared to the nice melted bucket shot, this one doesn't really compare. That shot absolutely was the best I think of the series David. The Norfish Seafoods one wasn't bad either... The one thing I do enjoy about the composition in this one is how you've worked on the bottom layer with the rocks and graininess of the sand. Nice job there!

I liked this one. great use of lighting here. nice one

I preferthe colour version of this but I'm usually fond of the way you process colour. I like how the lighter-coloured pebbles on the left side of the frame balance the container out a bit, spreading the brightest parts of the picture around slightly more than if it was the container on it's own.

While I liked the other two better, I still can't get over your amazing post-processing. Absolutely amazing.

I'm really liking this series Dave and I have to agree that I prefer the first one - the melted bucket. I prefer the toning in that one (slightly more saturated colours) but ultimately I think the form of the melted bucket suits the overall surreal feel of the series better than the others. It's got a bit of Dali's clocks going on!

Have I missed the secrets of your post-production in a previous post or is that a closely guarded secret? ;) Judging by the request for an outline of your techniques, I reckon you've got a book in the making there!

I like this.

This one is good. I prefer the color version more but the melted bucket is my favorite of the series.

I think the second one works better because of the depth given by the colour and lower perspective.

Hm, I love them all, the color version of this one as well. I think my favorite is the first though... the shape of the bucket, the detail of the dirt and sand and rocks, and then I like how (in the first shot) you can't see the ocean, and it just looks like it's sitting on the edge of nothing. This 3rd one, esp. in color, is my 2nd favorite.
Did you find the containers sitting like they are in the shots, or did you set them? Just curious. :)

Dave, till this afternoon I've been convinced that the first of the three shots was the best. Now I'm strongly tempted to say that this one is the best and may be I evenly prefer the color version: tones are wonderful and colors seems to come out from the same tonal range. Great shot, actually.

i'm really diggin this series dave.

m y head is mashed into exhaustion as I'm travelling a lot in Germany at the moment, however If my eyes are really seeing what I think I'm seeing this is a truly decent image.. the muted colours really work big time.. off to Gelsenkirchen in five hours .. must sleep.

Thought this was great - til I saw the colour version which is WOW! Still like the poor squished little bucket best though :-)

David,

I need to know, are these just randomly occuring containers you find along the beach that are resting as you find them? Do you stand them up or move them? How far do you live from this cornucopia of beach subjects? You've taken the benign and made them sublime, again! Great series!

Hi David
I really like this last series... somehow I think that your beach stuff brings the best out in you. ;)

I haven't abandoned you recently - I emigrated to Australia at Easter so I've been a bit busy here and there, but I have been viewing if not commenting.

Nice shots, with great atmosphere and clarity. Thank god for crazy people who throw their junk into the sea, eh? ;)

I also prefer the colour version of this shot. How long did you have to 'work' on this image Dave to achieve the result displayed?

love how you make the ordinary look so extrordinary! cheers :)

I like this one as well. I love that symbol on the can, it adds to the photo.

There is so much busted stuff on this beach.

Thanks everyone.

Adrian: nope they're not closely guarded secrets, it's just finding the time (and the right way) to get them across. We're working on it.

Trish: I shot the first two as I found them but did stand this one up.

Dave F: it's about a 20 minute drive to get to this beach.

Thanks dave, I look forward to understanding your approach a little more. Of course, learning a bit about your post-production techniques is one thing - taking the great shots to apply the techniques to is another challenge completely!

Prefer the alternative choice! The added warmth I guess.
Could the three pics be telling us a story?

Hi Mr Nightingale:

I always visit your web, your pics are really amazing, I try to learn the most I can of your techniques. I am starting in photography and Iknow the way of this art is so wide and very long. I invite you to visit my web www.valerybazan.com and my fotolog www.valerybazan.com/valerybazan .

If you want to comment i will be really thankful to you.

Gretings from Peru.

Valery Bazán

A bit late posting but I'm sure you'll forgive me. ;-)

I don't have much to say (I know, I know) but I did want to comment on the holy light you seemed to have found for this series. Amen.