Tree, Creek, and Reflection

[DanoG]

Hi everyone,

I have taken several shots lately and I am starting to wonder whether I am "composing" the shots properly.

In this example I wanted to capture the reflection and ripples in the creek, obviously I wasn't paying attention to the tree, and the top is out of frame.

My question is, when capturing a reflection, should I always try to get ALL of the object doing the "reflecting" ??? You'll notice that I didn't get ALL of the reflection either....



Exif Information:
DateTime - 2009:01:08 18:51:20
ExposureTime - 1/4000 seconds
FNumber - 5.60
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 320
ExposureBiasValue - 0.00
MaxApertureValue - F 5.66
MeteringMode - Spot
FocalLength - 105 mm
FocalLengthIn35mmFilm - 157 mm

[Wynder]

As a disclaimer, I'm an amateur, however, here are a few suggestions for this particular photo.

* Pick a topic for your photo and build your capture around it... in this case:

Your tree and the reflection is the main subject, I would've either:

a) Stood much further back to get the entire tree and the landscape -- it looks pretty.

b) Perhaps rotated the camera and shot in portrait mode from this close distance.

c) In either case, I would've gotten as close to the ground as possible -- change your perspective. It looks like you were standing when you took this picture... get it from a view we don't normally see.

[jiminyClickit]

DanoG,

Wynder makes good points, and I'll add that your photo is also very realistic in color and detail. Tree shadow is a feature often overlooked, or positioned badly. You did well to include it. Your composition and framing is good for maintaining that color and detail in tree, snow and reflection. It comes down to what you want to feature most: overall landscape, or this particular section of it.

[DanoG]

My original idea was to include the fence line in the upper left corner and obviously the tree's reflection. The shot was taken from atop of a single-lane bridge so my perspective was a little high. I think I'll go back and try taking the same shot in a portrait mode, maybe with the sun a bit lower in the sky too.

I might be able to just fit the lens through the concrete uprights of the bridge, to get a little closer to the ground.

Thanks for the tips

[Wynder]

Originally Posted by DanoG

I might be able to just fit the lens through the concrete uprights of the bridge, to get a little closer to the ground.

Great idea! The worst mistake I make when I take pictures is to dress nicely... I remember laying on my back in the middle of a wet forest in white cotton pants to get the shot I was looking for -- ever since it's cargo pants and a light, dark jacket.