Bad quality but great scene

[kuul13]

First thing first, this is a very bad shot in terms of quality. Reason being that, I was too busy clicking the beautiful aruban sunsets. I had a tripod to do so. Then I handed my tripod to my wife and we headed back to our hotel room. And suddenly I saw this scene and ran to capture the very moment.I didn't have time to do much of the setting. Since my wife was not around I had to click it handheld I have missed the oppurtunity big time so sad!!

I am sorry that I am posting two pictures - the original and the edited copy. I want to know how bad is the edited copy and if I can anyhow improve the picture. The reason I posted this is that this one of my favorite pictures. The frame itself looks like a painting. I want to make it worth showing. Please help me with the following: composition wise, what do you think and how can i make it better (if possible)

Original:

Exif: 1/15s | f/5.6 | 135mm | iso 200.

Edited: (bumped the gamma in exposure and did smart sharpen in photoshop)

[NgaiHill]

You're right it is a beautiful scene. Such a pity you didn't have the camera settings quite right - I think we've all done that at least once or twice!
I'm not sure that your edit is that much of an improvement, although someone else may have some ideas. One thought I had was have you tried a PS filter like oil painting to see what effect that has. Things are out of focus and not very sharp - a filter like that would certainly hide that.

[milosh]

It is a real pity you missed such an opportunity. Maybe you could have bumped up the ISO to give you at least 1/60! It would be easier to deal with noise than with so much blur. I don't like the edit you did because its negative effects are clearly visible, you have halos along the rocks, around the boys, around the sail and the clouds. Maybe something better can be done, but I would have to try it myself and experiment.

[John Hendry]

yes a great image

The one that got away! dont think there is anything to be done.

All you can do is learn from it and hope you are ready the next time.

Keep at it.

all the best

[Tito87]

Nice scene. I'm just a newbie when it comes to Photoshop, so I don't think you would want my advice. All I can say is, why don't you give a try with Topaz Adjust. There's nothing to lose, anyway.

[kuul13]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

You're right it is a beautiful scene. Such a pity you didn't have the camera settings quite right - I think we've all done that at least once or twice!
I'm not sure that your edit is that much of an improvement, although someone else may have some ideas. One thought I had was have you tried a PS filter like oil painting to see what effect that has. Things are out of focus and not very sharp - a filter like that would certainly hide that.

Lisa, a very big lesson for me. When ever I see this picture I feel sad that I missed a great opportunity. But will make sure that this never happens again. I downloaded a free "oil painting" filter but it did do much. Will try again with some other setting and if I feel little better then will share. Thanks again for your comment.

[kuul13]

Originally Posted by milosh

It is a real pity you missed such an opportunity. Maybe you could have bumped up the ISO to give you at least 1/60! It would be easier to deal with noise than with so much blur. I don't like the edit you did because its negative effects are clearly visible, you have halos along the rocks, around the boys, around the sail and the clouds. Maybe something better can be done, but I would have to try it myself and experiment.

Milosh
Oh, I am already in self-pity, I wish my brain acted timely to change the settings. I am wondering even if I had a tripod.. what settings would have nailed the shot? considering the yacht and kids were moving. I want to for future, what could I do the best to get a decent shot. I would appreciate if you can tweak my picture to make it look better.. Thanks for looking at the picture.

Originally Posted by John Hendry

yes a great image

The one that got away! dont think there is anything to be done.

All you can do is learn from it and hope you are ready the next time.

Keep at it.

all the best

I screwed it up completely.. I am sure next time I would be prepared. Thanks for looking at the picture.

[kuul13]

Originally Posted by Tito87

Nice scene. I'm just a newbie when it comes to Photoshop, so I don't think you would want my advice. All I can say is, why don't you give a try with Topaz Adjust. There's nothing to lose, anyway.

Tito, I don't have Topaz Adjust.. but will try to download a trial version and give a try.. I can play with it and I guess it won't get me the picture closest to original but give a different effect with topaz. it is just my wild guess.