Club Kawama in Varadero, Cuba - questions

[cheryl_bain]

I took this photo at the resort I was staying at. My questions....how is the crop? Too tight? The ocean is a tiny bit off kilter...does that affect the look, or it is okay? Thanks in advance.



Fuji FinePix S1000fd
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
F-Stop: f/5
Aperture Value: f/4.9
Max Aperture Value: f/2.7
ISO Speed Ratings: 64
Focal Length: 5.9 mm
Flash: Fired

[LeeR]

It seems like such a shame to crop any of the beautiful ocean, but the most significant compositional element in this image is the sweeping arc created by the roof line. For that reason you could actually crop tighter and improve the design qualities significantly. On the other hand, if I was standing where you were I sure would be wishing for a wide angle lens to get some pictures of that magnificent open water.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi cheryl_bain,

Wow! I envy you. I wish I had stayed at this resort.

I agree with LeeR that the ocean is the most interesting part of this image and that I would really like to see more of it. Having said that, I do think that including the building gives the image context and creates a strong visual line that leads the viewer into the frame. 5.9mm is as wide as your camera goes, but I wonder if taking a few steps back and trying a horizontal image would have worked...

The horizon line is skewed and I always prefer it to be straight (or greatly off), but since it is a small part of the image I think that you can get away with it here.

Anyway, good job. This is a nice momento of your trip to Cuba.

KG

[DivotMaker]

My 2 cents,

My eyes keep jumping back and forth trying to determine the subject (ocean or wall).

Either a tighter crop, to focus on the wall, or a wider view to the right to show the ocean.

I cant help but wonder what it would have looked like low and to the left (next to the building) to show a more dramatic curve of the building and a little more of the ocean. This might have allowed more for a 1/3 breakdown. As it is, you have almost half and half, which is what I think is keeping my eyes bouncing back and forth.

Despite the differences in lighting (shadows and direct sun) I think you did a great job in balancing the colors top to bottom, right to left.

This is one one of those photos, that you can look back at and remember the sight, sound, and smell of the moment....great job.