My first series of test shots with my new Nikon D80

[chanedcomm]

Hi all

I am new to this forum and am new to DSLR camera (just got my D80 a couple of weeks ago). I was trying out my camera last night with a series of test shots against a stormy sky (in Hong Kong). These shots were taken inside my apartment with the window opened.

I wish to share one of these shots here and see what can be improved. Here is the configuration I used:

Tripod: Yes
Lens: 35-105mm F/3.5-4.5
Focal Length: 68mm
5 sec - F/7.1
Sensitivity: ISO 200
White Balance: Color Temp. (7100 K) (I deliberately created this reddish mood here)

Criticism is most welcome.

chanedcomm

[clockdoc]

Hi,
Congratulations on your new D80. I like the mood created by the redish tone but let's get to the other aspects of the shot. My observation is that it needs a bit more of a base. Shooting out of your window probably limited you options but the buildings have a "cut-off" appearance. The sky seems very dramatic but it also seems a bit too dark or overpowering. Perhaps cropping the image into different sections would allow more balance between the sky and "weight" of the sky.
One other suggestion is to try to shoot one shot about 20-30 minutes after sunset. Then without moving the camera, shoot another series of shots with the building lights on against the dark sky, exposing more for the lights. Combine the two with some post processing.
Thanks for shaing your first images with us from your new D80.

[chanedcomm]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Hi,
Congratulations on your new D80. I like the mood created by the redish tone but let's get to the other aspects of the shot. My observation is that it needs a bit more of a base. Shooting out of your window probably limited you options but the buildings have a "cut-off" appearance. The sky seems very dramatic but it also seems a bit too dark or overpowering. Perhaps cropping the image into different sections would allow more balance between the sky and "weight" of the sky.
One other suggestion is to try to shoot one shot about 20-30 minutes after sunset. Then without moving the camera, shoot another series of shots with the building lights on against the dark sky, exposing more for the lights. Combine the two with some post processing.
Thanks for shaing your first images with us from your new D80.

hi clockdoc

Appreciate your comments very much. Yes, my shots were very much limited by the fact that I was shooting out the window (trying to avoid the window frame).

When you say the sky seems a bit too dark or overpowering, do you mean I should include 'less' sky by cropping part of it from the top?

Your idea of taking 1 shot soon after sunset and then a series of shots later on (and combine them together) is a great one and I will give it a try.

Thanks for your sharing

chanedcomm

[clockdoc]

Hi,
By overpowering, I meant the sky took up about 50 percent of the total area of the photo. That combined with the tonal value being about the same throughout made it appear a bit heavy to my eye. That's why I suggested cropping a bit of it out to see if that changes the balance of the photo. If there was more variation in the cloud image, then that large an area may work but here it just seemed a bit too much. Hope that clarifies my earlier comment. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[chanedcomm]

clockdoc

Thanks for the clarification. Now I understand.

Cheers

chanedcomm