Sea Stacks at First Light

After years of shooting at Point Lobos south of Carmel, I stumbled across Garrapata State Park a few miles south of Point Lobos. Morning promised light hitting sea stacks with the cliffs in shadow, so I arrived early and set up the tripod. Jackpot! And I have only scratched the surface of this location.

Specific Feedback Requested

Happy with the shoot, but am struggling with this composition with the bright light on the rocks – and nice reflection and the deep shadow at right. I’d be interested in thoughts about how to crop or process this. Isolate the subject or include the cliffs? I have lightened the cliffs a bit. Don’t like the hot sky. However, I tend to overcrop my landscapes, so am trying to give this one more breathing room. Thanks.

Technical Details

Nikon Z6II, F11, 1/4 second, ISO200.