Tower bridge illuminated

[Jaysfan8]

Whilst waiting for the new year celebrations to begin, I took this shot of Tower Bridge. I used my canon 30d with my 17-85 lens and a tv of between 8-10 seconds. Exposure set at -1/3. I like this photo, but there is just something that isn't quite right and I can't put my finger on it, please help.

[jrossh21]

Not sure if this is "wrong" or not, but the first thing my eyes are drawn to are the boats in the foreground and the overexposed lights, espeically the light on the left pillar. Maybe try cropping a little and adjusting the contrast/brightness.

[sdjl]

The lighting on the bridge is blown slightly and makes the bridge loose some detail. You could try increasing the shutter to get a faster shot, or switching into manual mode so you can dial in your aperature settings as well.

You may also want to try cropping the photo slightly. I find there's a little bit too much foreground water.

David

[jiminyClickit]

Jaysfan8,

Mind if we edit/retouch/etc.?

[Seltzer]

I like the picture, maybe a tiny amount of cropping but I think the boat is a good part of it.. granted it could be a completely different picture without that and just the lights reflecting but I think the issue that seems slightly 'off' here is that the bridge isn't level.. same way with making sure your horizon is flat, it couldn't hurt to tilt the picture a few degrees and crop appropriately..

[jiminyClickit]

Jaysfan8,

It's the nature of reflections on water to be vertical and always lead toward viewer. That's another tipoff that pic is not level (re Seltzer) and a bit distorted. Also during those 8-10 seconds the reflections had a chance to over-brighten. It can become a better photo with a little work. Want to see one?

[Jaysfan8]

Thanks, all great advice.I would like to see one and I am happy for anyone to edit these images. I learn more from seeing your thoughts in action....

[jiminyClickit]

Jaysfan,

Thanks for openmindedness, and believe me, this is how I learn too. If this only gives you an idea for another shot, it's worth doing. If it also shows the possibilities for editting, that's better.



It was a question of correcting distortion from the angle of shot, reducing the water reflections and redrawing one, amping up the top half, and some fiddily stuff with red lights, etc. Leveled to the waterline as close as I could and the vertical line of bridge towers. Got a spare hour, it's fixable if those were the things that "weren't quite right." Good luck, Jaysfan8.