Sequence 3: Shots of Isolation & Closure

1. A Person Sitting Alone Looking at the Sea (Back View)

  • Shoot from behind, keeping their body centered or slightly off-center
  • Use f/2.8–f/4 to keep the background (sea) softly blurred
  • Capture the vastness of the sea; horizon in the top third
  • Consider using a slow zoom in if the person is still, emphasizing their isolation
  • Shutter Speed: 1/100s - 1/250s

2. Tide Pulling Away Slowly, Water Draining Off Rocks

  • Tripod for steady shot
  • Use f/4 to ensure both water and rocks are in focus
  • Capture water draining down the rock faces, creating a slow motion effect
  • Optional: Shoot at 60fps or higher to emphasize the flow
  • Shutter Speed: 1/60s - 1/120s (for slow motion)

3. A Long, Slow Zoom Out from a Detail

  • Start with a close-up on a detailed object (e.g., shell, rock, or a small patch of sand)
  • Use a tripod to zoom out slowly
  • Keep focus sharp on the detail at the start, then blur the background as you pull out
  • Use f/2–f/4 to create depth with a shallow background
  • Shutter Speed: 1/100s - 1/250s

4. Empty Bench / Lifeguard Stand / Streetlamp

  • Use tripod for a clean, still shot
  • Frame the subject centrally or off-center to create space
  • Shoot at f/4 for background blur, emphasizing the subject (bench, lifeguard stand, etc.)
  • Capture the absence of people, highlighting isolation or stillness
  • Shutter Speed: 1/100s - 1/250s

5. Sky Turning Golden or Gray (Depending on Time/Weather)

  • Shoot at sunrise or sunset for golden light, or at a cloudy time for gray tones
  • Use f/4 to keep focus wide across the sky
  • Capture cloud movements if applicable, or the change in color as the light shifts
  • Keep horizon in the lower third, allowing the sky to dominate the frame
  • Shutter Speed: 1/100s - 1/250s

6. Fade to Black or Soft Blur at the End

  • Gradually reduce the exposure or slowly zoom out to fade into black
  • Consider a soft blur transition to signify an emotional or thematic closure
  • If using a blur, shoot wide open at f/2 for the effect
  • Match the end tone with the overall mood of your piece
  • Shutter Speed: 1/50s - 1/100s
Back to Sequence 2 Complete