How to take a shot to the next level?

[ZoomZoom]

Hi,
Photography is one of my hobbies. I feel that I'm stuck and can't get my pictures to the next level.
I'm one of those who believe in the concept of "no editing after...".

My question is what could I do in order to make this photo look better?



EXIF:
Camera Model: Canon EOS 1000D
Tv (Shutter Speed): 1/800
Av (Aperture Value): 5.0
ISO Speed: 100
Lens: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Focal Length: 42.0 mm
Flash: Off

[CiiVii]

This is exaggerated but one thing would be to do some color adjustment:

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoom

...I feel that I'm stuck and can't get my pictures to the next level.
I'm one of those who believe in the concept of "no editing after...".

In other words, you have to shoot in JPEG and with all the settings (sharpness, contrast, color saturation etc.), WB, exposure, framing and composition correct always. You need to check these after each of your capture.

Originally Posted by ZoomZoom

My question is what could I do in order to make this photo look better?

It is a leading line technique capture and I would prefer framing it differently to change its dynamic (within your 'no editing after...' prerequisite). Sample for illustration purposes.

[tish_lily]

If you are not really into post processing that is cool, I don't do much of it either, but I don't see anything wrong with boosting the overall colour or playing with contrast/sharpness a little bit. Also, you may want to consider adding some sort of third element to your picture. Try bringing something else into the foreground.

Also, are you using a circular polarizer filter on your camera? That can help to saturate the colour and really offset clouds...Might help make your images have a little extra pop without you having to do any post work.

[CiiVii]

Sorry, I missed the "No editing after."

[ZoomZoom]

Thanks for the tips. I played a little with the image (Hue, Saturation, Sharpness) and some trim as well. I think it looks better now.

[mvalentin]

i'd crop more of the left and right side of the picture, the wave on the right side is a bit distracting, the sky is too blue, like ^ said - if youre not into pp, stick with filters.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoom

I'm one of those who believe in the concept of "no editing after...".

This is a silly notion. You are not creating better "art" or more "pure" images because you don't post process. It is no different than darkroom work albeit it is much easier now and your fingers don't smell like fixer.

[CiiVii]

I wonder if there were ever film purists who insisted on only looking at negatives?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by CiiVii

I wonder if there were ever film purists who insisted on only looking at negatives?

Even then, you could influence the outsome by choice of developer, develop time, water temp and even agitation technique!