My sunset

[whyified]

Here's a sunset I shot up north in Ludington, Michigan on Hamlin Lake. Please give advanced critique.

[hora]

I like the reflection in the water, but I don't think the structures on the right add to the shot. I'm still unsure about what I'm looking at, it looks like a bench on a dock, but oddly shaped... Maybe you could try a different angle, or exposing your shot a bit more to give more detail, the way it is right now, the things on the right are too dark for me to tell what they are.

[wattsbw2004]

Originally Posted by hora

I like the reflection in the water, but I don't think the structures on the right add to the shot. I'm still unsure about what I'm looking at, it looks like a bench on a dock, but oddly shaped... Maybe you could try a different angle, or exposing your shot a bit more to give more detail, the way it is right now, the things on the right are too dark for me to tell what they are.

It's a bench on a dock

[whyified]

Originally Posted by hora

I like the reflection in the water, but I don't think the structures on the right add to the shot. I'm still unsure about what I'm looking at, it looks like a bench on a dock, but oddly shaped... Maybe you could try a different angle, or exposing your shot a bit more to give more detail, the way it is right now, the things on the right are too dark for me to tell what they are.

Indeed, it is a bench on a dock.

[sunsetter]

I like the bench on a dock and I think it adds to the shot. Good composition.

[whyified]

Originally Posted by sunsetter

I like the bench on a dock and I think it adds to the shot. Good composition.

Thanks. Surprisingly, this was taken before I knew much about composition. I knew it looked good, but knew nothing about rules or lighting when I took this. This was over a month ago. A few weeks ago I started heavily studying photography. My next shot posted here should be much more thought out.

[energy]

I like the bench on the dock too, and the reflection.

But it still seems a little dark. As well it feels like it should be wider, with more to look at.

[pixelpixie]

Beautiful color and reflection. But, it does seem to be missing something. I would like to see that sun on the horizon, creating that beautiful color on the water. Sillouettes are usually strong statements, but an empty bench seems.......too empty. And it takes a few minutes to figure out that it is a bench. I would be nice to see a person sitting there. I would use a wider angle lens and take the shot with the mentioned additions. It would make a stronger composition.

JMHO

[whyified]

Originally Posted by pixelpixie

Beautiful color and reflection. But, it does seem to be missing something. I would like to see that sun on the horizon, creating that beautiful color on the water. Sillouettes are usually strong statements, but an empty bench seems.......too empty. And it takes a few minutes to figure out that it is a bench. I would be nice to see a person sitting there. I would use a wider angle lens and take the shot with the mentioned additions. It would make a stronger composition.

JMHO

Thank you. That was useful critique to me.

[kirbinster]

Maybe try some fill lighting to brighten up the bench. To my eye there is too much contrast between the sunlight and the bench. I think you either need to give the bench some more definition, or go the other way and darken it out more. Just my 2 cents worth.