First light

[Surprised]

I took this picture in Northern England at 6:10am on 1st May; the sun had been up for less than an hour. (It's probably best not to ask what I was doing up at that time; let's just say I'm a habitual early riser!). I can't help wondering whether the left-hand side is too bright -- and part of me thinks that if it wasn't for the interesting light it wouldn't really be an interesting shot at all. So any comments about lighting and composition would be warmly welcomed. Many thanks in advance!



EXIF
Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ28
Exposure: 0.004 seconds (1/250th)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 30.5 mm
ISO Speed: 160
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[LeeR]

Most of the time, the difference between a good landscape and a great one is the quality of light and atmosphere. You have caught the light and haze wonderfully and the composition works as well. I ran the image through 'Levels' and found I like id better if I darkened it a be to gain a slightly more dramatic feeling. Try it yourself and see if you agree.

[peeperita]

the light is the main player in this image......but, i think your eye is telling you something.....

that left edge bugs me too......the light is blowingh some of the details at the horizon......since it's an unconventional size, consider removing a sliver off both the left and the right edge.....that way you'll lose that overly bright spot as well as keep your tallest building the focul point.....

peeper

[neoclick]

I don’t mind the blown highlights in the LHC of the pic. Due to atmospheric conditions the natural light can sometimes look like this anyway,

I think the light works well for this comp.

I like the comp, too. I think the hills and background buildings make for good lines that encourage my eyes to wander around the image.

[Surprised]

LeeR: Thank you for your speedy response. I feel it only fair to tell you that your comments (in any thread) are highly respected in this little corner of Northern England so thank you for the benefit of your wisdom! I've tried darkening it and I agree it looks a little more dramatic (the version I posted was SOOC except for a crop).

Peeper: Thank you for your comment; I've tried cropping (as well as darkening) and it certainly helped. It was most interesting to see how different people reacted to my question, so thank you kindly for taking the time and trouble to respond.

neoclick: Thanks for your thoughts, especially since they didn't seem to coincide completely with previous comments! The range of opinions one gets here is probably one of the reasons why I stick around -- in 'real life' I teach Maths and the pervading right/wrong nature of the subject sometimes leaves me looking for light relief elsewhere... But thank you for your encouragement.