I'm about 2 months into my D7000. Operating in mostly aperture priority mode.
So yesterday, I was down in Santa Cruz. Gorgeous sunset. I took oodles of shots.
Really didn't care for them. Curious if anyone had any insights into what I could have
done better.
I should restate that, I think these are good shots, I'd like to take great shots. :-)
Maybe it's just framing. But I'm wondering if I should have exposed differently.
Kevin,
Sunsets are always harder to photograph than appreciate in the moment.
The entire sensory experience and often wide vistas are condensed in the frame. Colors tend to get muted unless you work the color temp (try shade), and some context is often needed to add interest and give depth and dimension.
While the first has some foreground subject, it has no special appeal beyond what it might mean to you.
The second is like many images I have tried to make work. And failed. In addition to the muted color range there just isnt enough interest. Working on post-processing I'd try to intensify the color and light reflected in the water and you do have a bit of glow from the wet sand. But its all just too little in a large sea.
Third works best, for all the reasons why the other two dont. Colors are warmer. The figure on the beach implies a story, provides a nice silhouette, and adds depth. The foreground reflections and light in the water add another layer of interest and depth and play on the repeating elements of bands of color and light.
Image could be improved a variety of ways. Horizon needs to be straightened. Lens flare in the foreground should be removed, along with the whitish objects. Shooting from an angle that gave more height, and therefore separation of the person from the water would help. If you could have shot to get a bit more separation of the log(?) shadow on the left from the water you'd have a more vibrant, less murky foreground.
Scott
Exposure's good. Processing is fine. I'd suggest working of foreground and finding meaning beyond the sunset, unless it's ALL about the sunset. If it's all about the sunset, the foreground ought not try to grab the show.
sbeme wrote:
Kevin,
Sunsets are always harder to photograph than appreciate in the moment.
The entire sensory experience and often wide vistas are condensed in the frame. Colors tend to get muted unless you work the color temp (try shade), and some context is often needed to add interest and give depth and dimension.
While the first has some foreground subject, it has no special appeal beyond what it might mean to you.
The second is like many images I have tried to make work. And failed. In addition to the muted color range there just isnt enough interest. Working on post-processing I'd try to intensify the color and light reflected in the water and you do have a bit of glow from the wet sand. But its all just too little in a large sea.
Third works best, for all the reasons why the other two dont. Colors are warmer. The figure on the beach implies a story, provides a nice silhouette, and adds depth. The foreground reflections and light in the water add another layer of interest and depth and play on the repeating elements of bands of color and light.
Image could be improved a variety of ways. Horizon needs to be straightened. Lens flare in the foreground should be removed, along with the whitish objects. Shooting from an angle that gave more height, and therefore separation of the person from the water would help. If you could have shot to get a bit more separation of the log(?) shadow on the left from the water you'd have a more vibrant, less murky foreground.
Scott ...Show more →
Sorry, newbie question.. Not to high jack the thread, but, what is "Lens Flare"? Thanks
Here's a description, rather than the technical answer, which others could address better.
Bright light enters the lens and its elements producing a usually unwanted feature called "lens flare". This often shows up as a colored, low contrast shape of line of shapes related to the lens blades. Occasionally it adds to an image (see my Tybee Sunrise shot on this forum) but more often detracts.
In the third image in the lower foreground center is a soft, orange/red circular shape produced by lens flare.
Welcome to the forum. Newbies and all. We all were and most of us love to teach!
Scott
