Please Critique My Composition and My Editing Skills

[DKCN]

This is unedited




This is the edited one





Was only using the Kit Lens

Camera Make: SONY
Camera Model: DSLR-A100
Image Date: 2007:10:30 22:44:05
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 28.0mm (35mm equivalent: 42mm)
Exposure Time: 4.000 s
Aperture: f/5.0
ISO equiv: 100
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)

Also, i use Lightroom to edit my pictures. What would you guys recommend i should adjust? Did i over do the editing? Thanks

[CWind]

For my own taste you didnt over do it, I love the shot and think the edited pic is beautiful.. nice job

[clockdoc]

Nice work! Given the two shots I tend to like the unedited one. I don't see any values that were added by lightening the shot. The increased contrast makes the edited one harder to view on my monitor.

[DKCN]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Nice work! Given the two shots I tend to like the unedited one. I don't see any values that were added by lightening the shot. The increased contrast makes the edited one harder to view on my monitor.

But how do i improve the unedited one?

[clockdoc]

Are you asking in terms of shooting future shots of this type or improving this particular image? If that is the question, please tell me what software you are using and your level of experience with it. If I had to comment on the existing unedited shot, my only suggestion would be to bump the levels slightly but not as contrasty as the editied one. IMHO, the first one is fine.

[Bob Rhea]

Your editing touches are subtle but effective.....it enhances the shimmer of lights on the water. Also, the horizon sky has a nice glow. Well done.

[peeperita]

your editing gives a good shot glamour.....

peeper

[rein]

i like the edited 1.

question. is the lightroom program a better editng software than photoshop?? or is photoshop alone fine??

[neonfish3]

Great photo and great editing job!
Where is that?

[DKCN]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

@clockdoc,
shooting future shots of this type or improving this particular image?

Help on both would be great =D


To be honest i'm not really good when it comes to editing. I started tinkering with both photoshop and lightroom about 4 and 2 months respectively.

I use lightroom mainly for editing RAW images (I like just how lightroom organizes the pictures as well as how clean the interface is.)

As for photoshop cs3, most of the time, i use it to just remove blemishes on portrait pictures. But i've tried creating a magazine cover, creating a picture with many clones of a single person, whitening teeth. Basically simple stuff.

I only learned certain techniques because i needed it for a school project hehe. But after realising how fun it was, i couldn't stop >.< So anything that could improve my shot would be great =D Thanks

Oh, and i only got a DSLR on Sept '07, so still in the process of learning how to adjust settings here and there both on and off camera.


@neonfish3,
It's in Singapore. I live there but due to studying abroad, i only get come back during sembreaks =)



@rein,
I honestly don't know, but i like lightroom just for RAW images. If it needs further improving, i use photoshop.


@Everyone else,
more tips? =D