[Steve400]

Hi,

i would like some critique on the composition of this shot as well as any other details that may have improved it.

I have already cropped off a lot of the foreground and i still think there is maybe a bit too much water before the ducks.



All opinions welcome as always!

Thanks,
Steve

[dogdots]

I like the picture with all the lines, but I would love it in a panoramic layout. I see long lines in the background, middle and then the line of ducks. I'd take off a 3rd of the sky to make it just alittle more then the water below the ducks. I may even lighten it up alittle. What do you think about the panoramic layout?

[Steve400]

yes i'd say youa re right about thepanoramic, it would be ideal, it does look as if the left hand side is missing!

do you think there is too many black trees on the RHS?

thanks for the reply,
Steve

[nichpr]

Steve,
When I look at a photo, I look for composition, emotional impact, uniqueness and whether or not I can see a story in the photo.
Composition: My eye goes to the sunset - the ducks are so small as to be inconsequential. Perhaps a different crop might give the ducks more prominence - maybe not. The horizon is on one of the thirds - good. but is it the right one.... the sky is not that dramatic but maybe more so than the foreground.
Emotion: doesn't do much for me personally. I wasn't there.
Uniqueness: another sunset photo................................
Does it tell a story: not for me.

Bottom line: a nice snapshot that should provide you with a good reminder of a very pleasant sunset.

Sorry I could not be more positive, but that's just the way I see it.

- Paul

[JMitchell]

I think the real problem here is with the silhouettes. it's a great shot, but if you are going to include silhouettes or dark outlines in a shot, they shot really be very crisp and sharp, and here you have focused on the sky. This is fine, but to get both sharp you need a smaller aperture, and this is why many landscape shots need a very sturdy tripod, to counteract the shake that would be caused from a long exposure (but you knew that ), so basically, nice shot, but smaller aperture!

Also yeah maybe a pano would have been nice, but without, I would have left out a little of the right hand side, and moved the frame "left" a little, as the black comes just too far across the shot for me.

HTH

Jack

[Steve400]

yes i agree with both, i didnt think it was anything special at all, i missed it at its nicest ciolour as a wee fat man was locking the carpark and i had to run for 10mins to get back!

i agree about the ducks being too small, i did try getting lower and zooming in a bit but it left out the water between the pier and the coast in the background!

ta for the replies anyways lads!