Lens on Life · Guide
KZN North Coast

Tidal pools and wet rock

Low tide, sun to your side. Thompson's Bay, the Umdloti point, Salt Rock ledges.

18-150 · 18–50mmPolariser ONHood on
Mode
Av
Aperture
f/8
ISO
Auto
Exposure ±
0
Drive
Single
Focus
Servo · tap the rock or pool edge you want sharp

Do this

  1. Polariser on. Look at the screen and slowly rotate the front ring: the glare on wet rock vanishes and the water turns transparent at one position. Stop there.
  2. The polariser only works with the sun roughly 90° to your side. Facing the sun or away from it, it does nothing — take it off to get the light back.
  3. Get low. Fold the screen out and hold the camera at knee height; pools are better from just above the water.
  4. Never turn your back on the sea on the rocks. Hood on for spray; wipe the front glass with the cloth between shots.

If it goes wrong

Photo looks dull and dark
The polariser costs light; Auto ISO covers it. If the sky in the frame is unnaturally dark, back the ring off a little.
Uneven, patchy sky
Wide lenses plus a polariser do this. Zoom in a little (35mm+) or rotate the ring back.