Another Sunrise/Sunset Question

[Michael_2010]

Later today I am going to drive down to an area that looks across a large area of wetlands with waterways snaking themselves throughout. This location is relatively flat and has few obstructions between where I will be standing and the open water of the gulf out beyond the marsh grasses. My camera will be pointed almost due west.

From a compositional standpoint, how would you guys approach such a scene to give it a little impact beyond the potential colors? Also, is there a way for me to enhance reflections of the clouds on the water?

[Nicole]

Graduated ND filter if you don't have one? Should help balance things out in terms of land and sky.

Other advice, I'd try different angles. So, get down low, stand a bit higher, try vertical and horizontal, try to get something interesting in the foreground if you can... I know they're all pretty standard tips, but they're the kind of things I do.

[Michael_2010]

Thanks for the thoughts. The location was pretty much a bust though. I think I needed some serious altitude to do the scene justice. All I got was horizontal lines of marsh grass, plus there was a heavy haze close to the horizon which didn't add much either. My search goes on......... lol

[Michael_2010]

Has anyone ever tried sticking a realistic model boat in a sunrise/sunset shot to give some foreground interest? Did it work out, or look cheesy?

[dcclark]

I might go for an abstract look -- maybe a fairly long exposure to get smooth water, with reflections, smeared clouds, etc. That would really emphasize the colors over the subject itself.

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I might go for an abstract look -- maybe a fairly long exposure to get smooth water, with reflections, smeared clouds, etc. That would really emphasize the colors over the subject itself.

I have yet to figure that setup out. Is that where the ND filters come into play to prevent blowout?

[RichardTaylor]

They reduce the light entering your lens so you can shoot at longer shutter speeds.

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

They reduce the light entering your lens so you can shoot at longer shutter speeds.

What settings would you use when adding the ND filter? Stick with a small aperture and ISO 100 then adjust Tv to get the desired result? What shutter speed renders the best result given this type scene and lighting?

[RichardTaylor]

I havn't seriously done any long exposure daytime pics, however you may find this flickr group to be very helpful as all the pics have exposure info available and will give you a good idea of what can be done.

Flickr: The Art of the Long Exposure Land/Sea Scape (Admin inv) P1 C1