Gorge shot in Germany

[natemock]

i shot this while on a school trip in Germany, just getting into photography any tips on shooting future landscapes would be awesome

[matthewchj]

Arrgh!!! Big image!!! Can you post it in a smaller size next time? Thanks.

Nice!! I like the way the raging water leads out to the small patch of forest in the background. It would have been nice if the detail on the rocks could have been seen, though.

[phlyersphan]

I like the way the path leads the eye. Nice shot

[jiminyClickit]

natemock, Welcome

Very effective, powerful image. Good compromise to keep exposure right on the water and still have some detail left in sides of gorge.

[Scampi]

Nate, welcome! Cool shot. Let me see... this is what I would be thinking when facing this shot (and remember that doesn't tell you much but what I would be thinking):

The contrast is challenging. There is lightly colored water, dark walls, a gap at one end where strong light comes through, dark subject (walls) with water and light reflection, a rather monochromatic scene with a splash of green, some misty-ness from the water, fast motion, some wood bits... That's a bunch of things to think about when composing. The challenge of exposing nicely so that the water doesn't get blown out, or the walls don't end up too dark, is a tough one (tonal range issues).

I would like to find myself in this situation with a good flash and a tripod!

My inclination would be to go for the water. Slowing the water down to give it a smooth dense look. Probably expose for about a second to two seconds (definitely need a tripod. A circular polarizer filter, or better yet a Neutral Density filter would help wonders with making the water appear dense and "silky" -- and would help with the bright spot (sky) at the back of the pic.).

Then again, if you are on a school trip and without any gear... meter off the dark walls and find a happy medium that would not blow out the water, rest the camera on a solid surface to limit camera movement... take a few shots with various exposure combinations (bracket)... : ). If you have a flash you can control, and you are close enough to the subject (the walls) set it to fire to help you illuminate them a bit... I probably would want to get more of that gap in the back, especially if it closes off toward the top.

I commend you for taking the shot. It is not an easy one to expose at any time, but especially when first getting into photography.

Have fun!

Scampi

[clockdoc]

Hi Nate and welcome to the group. What a stunning shot! I can't add to what has already been said. Keep up the great work as you have a good eye for composition. In future postings, please add the type of equipment you are using and any helpful EXIF data such as f/stop, shutter speed and ISO. That info makes providing a meaningful critique much faster and easier. Thanks for sharing this with us.