Tranquility

[summerbreezing]

Does anyone have suggestions on what I could have improved on this one. Difficult to eliminate people in a busy public garden - should I attempt to clone?
thanks for thoughts

[clockdoc]

You have taken in a large area of similar tonal and colors. As such, my eye doesn't land on any one spot as there is no center of interest to draw my eye to. If possible, you may have been able to feature something a little closer to the camera such as the Japanese lantern. It is a nice shot that will bring back pleasant memories of your visit, I am sure.
As a side note about people in photos, sometimes you just have to accept them in the shot if they cannot be "cloned" out easily. One trick that sometimes works is to use a low ISO and neutral density filters in a stack such that you get a very 'slooooow' shutter speed. As long as the people continue to keep moving, they will not appear in the shot. This works best indoors where trees and bushes are not influenced by the wind.

[summerbreezing]

Thanks for comment Clockdoc. I had hoped the pink tree and its reflection would be a little more prominent. I will hunt for better perspectives on next visi.

[RussHeath]

summerbreezing -- There is a botanic garden near where I live that has a similarly landscaped area. I'm always fascinated by it and frequently disappointed by my pictures of it.

I think that is because I want to take the whole scene in, and it's a little busy for that (although beautiful). The ones I've been most happy with are where, as Clockdoc suggested, a single subject is prominent. This goes for all photography of course, but I can specifically relate to shooting this type of scene.

The tree with pink blossoms seems a likely candidate for such a subject. How would it have looked if you had shot in portrait mode with only enough room to include the tree and it's reflection? Thanks for sharing.

[summerbreezing]

Hi Newbie
I believe you are right and, as it happens, I did take that shot you mention which is a little better but still doesn't quite do it for me. (I did also take a lot of others that I am happier with)! I haven't done any editing as yet but feel it is probably still a little busy.

[AgeOfcOin]

I like the reflection you have, maybe you could make this the focus point ?. Also i feel the trees/bushes are to bright. Other than that its a good shot.

[RussHeath]

Summerbreezing -- I agree with you on all accounts. This picture is quite a bit better in terms of composition. Like you said, it's still on the busy side, but I think most people that glanced at it would know that A) you have a specific subject, and B) be able to identify the subject easily. It's a step in the right direction!

The next thing I would address will require another visit, if you can. That is the lighting. This seems to be fairly direct, harsh, overhead sun. You can tell because the bushes look almost overexposed up top with deep shadows directly beneath. Usually better light means early or late in the day, but this is a scene that would probably look better even on an overcast day to give a softer, more diffused look to the light. If you're really getting creative, you could stick a remote flash under that tree and trigger with your D80 (one of the many reasons I try to have my SB-600 with me whenever I have my camera).

If you don't have another chance to repeat the shot, no worries. It will all help you next time a similar situation arises.

[summerbreezing]

Many thanks for CC. The light is very bright here from quite early to fairly late in day (mid summer sub tropical climate) and I am still trying to find ways to improve my exposure under such conditions. I don't have external flash yet but its on my wish list. Will keep working on it!

[Sid]

Second attempt is much better, but still to busy. I think in this situation you have to keep in mind the rule of filling your frame with one subject.

[waffles]

I think the focal length is just off. If you bring it out to include the sky you would be better able to show the entire garden. Or you could go in and focus on one aspect of the garden. Right now there just isn't an area that my eye lands on.