Swan Before the Storm --- First ?good? shot with first DSLR camera...on first day

[djfriedman81]

First Day out with my first DSLR Camera...please help I am just starting out



Nikon D5000
VR 18-55mm

Focal Length: 55mm
Apeture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/640
ISO: 200
Exposure Mode Manual
Cropped on flikr

[Chip]

Beautiful pose and reflection.

My only suggestions would be to take the photo from a lower perspective, to get closer and to wait for better light (if possible).

Enjoy the camera and the journey. It's a blast.

[Sterling]

I would suggest considering the swan and its shadow as a single visual element. By doing this, the swan would be higher in the frame and the reflection would be completely included. I think that this shot works fine with the subject in the dead centre of the frame. Considering the swan and its reflection as the subject, you can see that it is currently just occupying the bottom two thirds of the frame and is cut off at the bottom.

[djfriedman81]

I would agree with both of you....my only concern was I walked up to a railing about 10 feet above the water line on a cloudy day (pre noreaster) in a harbor area...as I walked up the swan "posed" for me and I just snapped...wouldd have liked to frame better and pick up a better angle...will try harder next time to catch the shot with better framing and point of view. I wish I did get the whole frame of reflection in the shot.