Stunning sunrise photo of Lardos Bay in Rhodes


This is my favourite shot from a recent holiday to Rhodes. I got up at 5am one morning, and drove to this location I had soptted at the end of Lardos Bay and waited for the sunrise.

I had prepared for this shot by going on a quick drive around the area to find a suitable location for a sunrise shoot. The last thing I wanted to do on holiday is get up that early and then have to find something to photograph! Preparation and planning make for better shots.

I was travelling light, only having my Canon 6D, 17-40mm lens, Manfrotto Pixie tripod and one cable release. That was it – nothing else. And having just that kit worked really well for me.

The 17-40mm F4L lens is my favourite lens, and will be until I get the amazing new Canon 11-24mm lens, which is not cheap unfortunately.

Anyway back to the shot. This is actually 2 images merged into one. The first image as taken at 1/25th second at F22, the second 0.6 second at F22. Both at ISO 100. The correct exposure was 1/6th second, so I have taken the 2 stops underexposed and 2 stops over exposed shots and merged them in Lightroom. I have done this so I get the detail in the highlights and shadows. This for me is true HDR, using the technique to record as much of what is there as possible. I shot knowing what I wanted the outcome to be, and knowing exactly how I was going to post-process in Lightroom.

Shooting knowing what your end point is, and also knowing how you are going to post-process comes with practise – lots of it. I have practised so much now that my workflow is intuitive, giving me quick, high quality and consistent results every time. S0 if I was to offer one piece of advice it would be practise, practise practise!

I am a professional photographer in Bournemouth, Poole, Sandbanks, Dorset and Hampshire

Rick McEvoy

I am Rick McEvoy, an architectural and construction photographer living and working in the South of England. I create high quality architectural photography and construction photography imagery of the built environment for architects and commercial clients. I do not photograph weddings, families, small people or pets - anything that is alive, moves or might not do as I ask!! I am also the creator of the Photography Explained Podcast, available on all major podcast providers. I have a blog on my website where I write about my work and photography stuff. Rick McEvoy ABIPP, MCIOB

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