Half Moon Bay Surfer

[smo2]

Just wanted to get any opinions on this shot. Like or do not like? I love this one.

I am not interested in any help on exposure. Just want opinions on like or not and what you would change (how you think it could be better). I am still learning.

After a business trip drove to Half Moon Bay before my red-eye home and caught on of the best sunsets I have ever seen. No post processing just straightened the horizon. Did not have a tripod so shot this in Live View on my camera bag. Hopefully Exif data is there but more concerned with like/do not like or how you would improve it. Both positive and negative comments are welcome!

My flickr page should be below - first time post - so bear with me!

D300 on Vivid+3

[gloson]

Wow.... this shot is really stunning! I love the reflection of the sunset on the water, the gradient in the sky, and the patterns in the sand.

I think this shot could be improved by making all of the surfer's board visible, instead of just the top, which makes me feel like something is missing. I think this could be achieved by shooting from a lower angle enough to silhouette the whole board.

Nonetheless, stunning shot! :-)

~Gloson

[StephenJay]

Originally Posted by gloson

I think this shot could be improved by making all of the surfer's board visible, instead of just the top, which makes me feel like something is missing. I think this could be achieved by shooting from a lower angle enough to silhouette the whole board.

Nonetheless, stunning shot! :-)

~Gloson

Exactly my thoughts, could not have been said better. Still a very nice shot..

[BigFuzzy]

agree with above.. and love how you see the light reflected on the water between you and the surfer.
Even though I'm sure the color was amazing, it still felt a bit oversaturated, looks a tad unnatural to me.

Otherwise, great shot.

[smo2]

Thanks for the feedback. This was when the sun was gone. One of the best I have ever seen.

Thanks for looking and commenting - it helps to get some feedback!

[MovingStill]

Beautiful image, a great capture!

I basically agree with the comments above, but really for me I think it is a far stronger image with a panorama crop - try a 2 x 1 ratio - keeping the top 2/3rds of the frame and cropping out the blurred foreground ripples.