Beach Driftwood

[fukawi2]

Hi all,

I'm hoping "Landscape" is the right place for this shot... Looking for some constructive suggestions on this image:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/fukawi2/JervisBay/photo#5150780946957022578"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/fukawi2/R3s_-zM5NXI/AAAAAAAAADU/UkPIKdBbwtc/s400/BW-BeachDriftwood.jpeg" /></a>

I took it while on holidays in December. One of my 2 favorites from the holiday (my other favorite is the next image in that album, the sepia-like one), but I'm not 100% happy with it, not sure why though... I do like the DOF (would have preferred it a little deeper to have the whole log in focus) and the shells next to it. There's just something that makes me feel there was something I could have done ot make it better...? :confused:

It was taken with a Canon EOS-350D behind a Canon 18-55mm lens, no filters. I took it in RAW format and processed it in GIMP; "processed" means adjust WB + Exposure, convert to JPEG, crop and make it B&W.

EXIF:
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/800 sec
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 28mm
Flash Used: No

[jay_soft]

Hi,

I like this shot, but there's something about it which makes me feel unsatisfied..can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe because of the point of focus, or perhaps because its dead centre. Exposure and contrast are good thou. Sorry i can't be more helpful!

[Azam007uk]

I see where youre coming from, It does look as though something not quite right.
Maybe try using the rule of thirds a bit more and incorporate a bit more background.

[Shawn]

I really like the exposure and contrast, and even the point of focus. I think the shot would have been a lot better with a bit more of the background. Or maybe moving back a few steps and framing the driftwood to the right so we can see a bit more of the beach on the left.

I just feel the driftwood dominates too much of the frame and my mind starts trying to figure out what could be beyond what I can see.

[Bentwing]

I also think the rule of thirds would help. It also looks a tad overexposed on top. Thanks for sharing.

[Sandie]

Good exsposure and good texture, but the main problem is that my eye keeps going to the darkend center of the driftwood. With it being not in focus, it distracts from the rest of the scene. Another reason that my eye goes to that end is because it is in an anchor point of the image. I tried different crops, but none really worked.

[fukawi2]

I might have a play with some different cropping from the RAW file and see if I can get it a bit more in the thirds.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and compliments :)

[nbeuscher]

The log is very interesting in itself and the black and white is beautiful. However, i agree with Sandie that my eye is drawn to the dark end of the log and its just not in focus. If somehow you could retake it with a closer emphasis on the log and a shorter depth of field. I think that would look cool, is it near your house?

[jiminyClickit]

fukawi2,

If the log is still there and you try another shot, consider moving to more 3/4 or less angle, and underexpose if possible. That would leave you with a better view and more alternatives in PP. For instance:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2229859912/" title="BeachLog by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2229859912_602126df02.jpg" width="500" height="229" alt="BeachLog" /></a>

[fukawi2]

I like that idea - I just wish the log wasn't 1,000km away :D

I'll try that if I can find a similar situation next time I'm at the beach :)