I'm happy, but are my setting correct?

[waynehicks1]

I've just purchased my first DSLR and am currently in the process of learning the ins and outs of my new Canon EOS 450D. I live in southern England and have been making the most of the volcanic ash filled skies, capturing some amazing sunsets recently. I was particularly pleased with this shot but I know there is room for improvement. I'm a little unsure if my settings are correct and I would appreciate some feedback, a gentle nudge in the right direction

f/11
Shutter speed: 1/500
ISO: 100
Exposure: -1

[Glayva]

Welcome to this wonderful site, Wayne

There does not seem to be anything wrong with this shot. Lovely rich colours and I like the way you have kept the foreground quite small in the shot. I think the plane trail adds interest to a very good shot. Very well done.

[junglebear]

Looks good to me, I can't see anything wrong. Normally with landscapes you'd go with the rule of thirds, putting the horizon on one of the two third-lines, but as it's all black under the horizon here then the minimal amount is what's called for. Nice shot.

[Jerry.Hammond]

I enjoyed it. Thank you.

[sheil]

Beautiful, man. The plane definitely makes the photo unique and sets it apart from every other sunset/sunrise. Nice job dude.

[gloson]

Nice composition! I really like the jet in the photo! That's creative! Though, I think it looks a little bit dull. A longer shutter speed would make the colors "pop" more and increase the brightness; but not to the point where it it overexposed! Hope this helps!

[jalmiburung]

great photo, unique composition and the jet trail makes it more

[hey joni]

Am I the only one wo can see all the specks on the right hand side?

I'm afraid this doesn't do much for me but bearing in mind you've only just got the camera, it's fine.

Did you use a tripod? If so I would have gone for a longer exposure, it's very dark down the bottom (i would have been using a grad filter too, to avoid the sky blowing out).

I'm sure your next few shots will see a quick increase in quality, keep shooting!

[waynehicks1]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to look and comment on my picture. It's very much appreciated.

I will definitely tinker around with the shutter speed next time. I'll try something a little slower and compare the results. The dark area at the bottom of the shot was planned. I kind of wanted it silhouetted so that your eyes would be drawn to what's going on above the ground. If anything, I would have liked to produce something a little darker. As for the 'specks' on the right of the picture, those are small bugs that were swarming around me at the time. It's spring-time here now and the air is filled with flying creatures every evening. They hijacked the shot, but I actually think they add something to the overall picture.