Fogbow, Mendocino Coast

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Visiting Mendocino in August, we discovered a large nature preserve at the old Spring Ranch, south of town. It’s about a mile walk out to the beaches and cliffs. We set out one morning in the fog and soon found ourselves looking at a “fogbow,” created by the low morning sun shining through the mist. Actually saw two of these – another at sunset over the town of Mendocino.

Specific Feedback

Thought the overgrown road was needed at right to provide context and perspective – the fogbow was probably a half mile away; smaller than a typical rainbow. Could have popped the contrast more but the phenomenon was fairly subtle, so left it mostly real in the image. Foreground weeds were soaked with overnight mist. The sky was featureless; should maybe have shot this with a wider lens to put more negative space around the subject.

Technical Details

Nikon Z6II, F13, 1/1600th, ISO800, 24MM.


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Jim, fogbows are pretty rare, so this would stand nicely by itself without the tracks. The golden grass at the bottom contrasts well with the blue sky. You’ve got some hints of color along both “legs” of the bow, which are a good extra.

A wonderful catch!! I think you left the contrast nicely muted – these things can be almost invisible. I wonder if moving to the right would have centered the bow over the road? It’s one of those apparitions that moves with you.

Lucky encounter. Fogbows are so elusive. I’ve only been privileged to see one and was so excited. I like how you’ve framed the rocks with the fogbow. I’m not sure how I feel about the road on the right. Nice capture, though.

I’ve never seen a fogbow James. What an interesting phenomenon. I like the bits of color near the bottoms of the bow. I like the moist grasses. I like the tracks too, just not sure if they are in the right spot for this image. It looks like there may be some spots and specks in the sky that you could clean up a bit.

Thanks Ed – I think this is one of those photos that is more about the phenomenon than the image. I will always remember it but won’t put it on my living room wall.
I do have some panoramas that show more of the road. Yes, the image needs to be cleaned up. I looked at my sensor after the shoot and was downright embarrassed that I let it get that dirty!
So much discipline required to get really great stuff. Along with the luck.

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Thanks Chris. Fact is, one could go looking for fogbows in Mendocino and probably find them easier than if one were to try chasing rainbows, because the morning and evening mist are downright predictable in summer. That’s probably the key. Go back and commit to shooting fogbows, having chosen a great foreground ahead of time. Not the worst fate: heading back to Mendocino to spend time with the camera on the headlands!

Good idea Diane, thanks. Yes I could use the road as a leading line. The foreground itself is pretty boring. The good news is it doesn’t compete with the subject. So I need to go back, get up early, go out there and wait for the sunrise to create the fogbow, then put the road in a good spot in the composition. Can’t think of anything more important to do at the age of 73.

Thanks Mark. Having seen two fogbows on that trip, I’m assuming I can expect them most summer mornings and evenings, but could be completely wrong. However, spending time out there, sucking up the oxygen-rich sea air, waiting for the fogbows, is my idea of a good time. Such is the lot of photographers. We are blessed.