Dublin nightscape do-over?

[ATB510]

Hi, I took this photo of the river liffey and custom house quay in dublin before christmas. I'd like to know what people think of it, as I'm considering re-doing it. I didn't have a tripod with me at the time, hence the very obvious camera shake. But do you think the composition is good, or could it be improved?



EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 1
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: -1 EV
Flash: No Flash

All comments/criticisms are much appreciated

[Doctor Atomo]

I was waiting for someone with more experience to comment, but I think it is a very nice shot,, well composed. I love light on black water!
As you point out, you could use a tripod, in the largeer size the camera shake is noticable.
I love the colors!

[Jenx54]

absolutely beautiful i love it!

[ATB510]

Thanks a mil for the comments guys! I'm glad you like it. I'll post the new one when I get round to taking it.

[photophan]

I think everything is great except the composition. Personally, I prefer absolute symmetry, or a larger amount of contrast in the offset. The vanishing point of the river is not off center enough.

If you are going to redo it, I'd play around with symmetry. Maybe try putting the reflection axis (horizon-ish) exactly on center and get rid of some of that extra black sky up top.

Otherwise, great shot - love the colour.I'm interested to see what your do-over's look like

[buttershug]

I agree with all previous comments. I'm new at this, so take my thought with a grain of salt, but when placing the horizon I would consider the rule of thirds - raise it if you want the eye to focus on the reflection in the water or lower it if you want the skyline to be the focus.

Good luck with round two.

[Sterling]

I can't say I'm a fan of this composition. The reflections look nice. But, like a sunset sky, pretty colors alone don't often make a strong photo. I think there needs to be some defining of the subject of this photo. Are the reflections the main subject? Then why all the black sky? Are the buildings the subject? Doubtful because although the one on the right looks interesting, the subject is rarely pushed way out to the edge like that. By looking at the large size, I see there's a bridge roughly in the middle. But it's too dark and indistinct to be a good subject.

IMO, decide what you're trying to capture and concentrate on that. The result will likely be much stronger. (And yes, use a tripod next time)

[Doctor Atomo]

I agree that it is a little dark, I wonder if you could adjust the exposure... bring out the architecture. In NX2 I would try adjusting the Luminance of the dark point.

[ATB510]

Thanks a million for the replies guys!

@Sterling: I have to say I agree with you. Tbh, when I took it I was focused more on capturing the colours rather then considering the composition - that's pretty much why I posted it on here, to see what people thought. I think it has potential though.

Unfortunately the lovely blue lights are no longer up, so I'll have to see what I can do without them (or wait until next christmas!).

Go raibh maith agat.

[jdmfresh]

ah a fellow dub?

tripod & a longer exposure will help loads, and try some different angles to see what would make a better composition.