Clouds

[Chlobo]

So I think I like the powerlines there but I'm not sure.

[jiminyClickit]

Chlobo, Welcome

That's a wicked red, and plum above that. Powerlines are a little out-of-place in a good sky/cloud photo, but they aren't as distracting as treetops cut off. Just lowering the camera a little would get a more pleasing frame. Less black at top, more foreground. Or climb on something to eliminate lines and trees altogether.

[clockdoc]

I have a similar problem with shooting great skies where I live. There are too many trees or other obstacles that clutter the shot. You almost have to be in a wide open space to get the best 'vista's'. When you see a nice sky shot in the making, you may have to get in the car and take a ride to a more open spot, if possible. I agree with Jimminy's comments about the trees and powerlines.

[Chlobo]

Thankyou for your tips.

But I am curious to know, don't you think photos with just clouds are a little boring? How do you make them interesting?

[jiminyClickit]

Chlobo,

Depends on the cloud formation and colors, but generally yes, boring. Like solid blue sky. If you can get a single object or small group of natural features (weeds, boulders, lone tree) off to one side (or shoot between) with some earth at bottom, the frame gives a place for the clouds and sky to fit in, and a sense of where you are.

[clockdoc]

I see your point and I don't think we meant to shoot just clouds (although it helps to have some good stock shots of clouds that can be added to blank skies in post processing.) Shots of "just clouds" probably would be rather boring unless you needed them for a text book for weather forecasters. 8-) However, knowing how to bring out the best in clouds will help in your overall photographic experience. For example, have you ever used a polarizing filter to darken the blue part of a sky? Or you can run a color senic with great clouds through software like Picasa2 and convert it to a black and white shot that also will darken the blue sky.
Getting back to your shot, you were initially motivated by something you saw that made you want to take the picture. The powerlines seemed to play an important role in that decision but you were not quite sure why. Having had time to read the critiques and think about your shot, do you know now why you liked the powerlines there? With regard to trees, they can be a great tool in framing a photo. However, they often need a base for them to look their best. Cutting them off from their "roots" doesn't always result in the best image. The color you captured is great and very unusual. I hope this helps you understand my thoughts about clouds a little better. Please don't hesitate to ask questions if I have confused the matter in any way.
The bottom line is that if you like the photo, that is what is important. We all have our opinions about our likes and dislikes and they are just that---opinions. Keep shooting and I'll be happy to help where I can.

[Chlobo]

All of you here are extremely smart photography-wise. I don't really understand much of what you are all saying but I try.

I get how it looks a bit funny without seeing the 'roots' of the powerlines.

And, the photo didn't actually really look like that, I made the lighting in it a little darker and it turned into those beautiful colours and I thought it looked awesome and that's why I like it.