Suggestions for Sunset

[DivotMaker]

I would appreciate some suggestions on how I could have made this a better shot. This was not in a place where I could utilize a tripod, so it had to be handheld.

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Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Did not fire

[Benphall]

Over all nice. However a couple suggestions. Maybe punch up the aperature so more of the landscape would be in focus. However you mentioned you didnt have a tripod so maybe there was not enough light to warrant upping it due to the obvious increase in shutter speed.
Do you own a polarizing filter. If you enjoy landscape photography as much as i do i will let you know they are a wonderfull filter slightly saturates and realigns the light as they hit through the atmosphere. They can be a tad expensive I just bought one for my wide angle lens (77mm) and it was 100.00 however the price will vary on the size filter you need
Last suggestion. Try moving the camera a bit more up or down next time you shoot having the horizon on the upper third/lower third of you composition would make it a tad more pleasing.

I love the Natural line in the river.

Great eye and keep on shooting.

[navcom]

Unfortunately the best advice you can get is to use a tripod. I know this wasn't possible for this shot but it's the single most important tool you can use besides your camera for any sunset/sunrise shot.

A couple other suggestions. On sunsets, you are dealing with a very high dynamic range...that is a wide range between the darkest and brightest spots in an image...more than your camera can handle. In your case, the sky is a bit overexposed while the foreground is black. This is normal but there are ways to correct it. First is to use a graduated neutral density filter and second is to use HDR techniques to wide the dynamic range to match what you see with your eyes.

And one final thought. Try setting your white balance to "shade" for sunsets. Shade produces a warmer color set, which usually brings out the colors of a sunset better. Or better yet, custom set the WB and shoot in RAW so you can easily modify the WB later.

Hope that helps!

[DivotMaker]

Thanks!


I appreciate the advice.

( I was on a small shoulder of a bridge, over the lake, with cars passing by. Very little space, and a very nervous wife....I am tempted to try it again with a tripod, without her knowing, but that could bring big trouble....)

Benphall - Not sure why, but I never even thought of using a polarizing filter (and the sad part is I had one in my pocket.) I always thought of using them with clear blue skies. I will give it a try for sure, next time.

navcom - I will look into a neutral density filter, as I dont have one of those. And interestingly enough I was reading about customizing WB last night, when I couldnt sleep. I will take you up on that suggestion also. (I havent started with RAW, but it is on the agenda)

Thank you again for your comments, I truly appreciate your knowledge.