Reflections at Post Oak Lodge

[BR915]

This photo was taken with a Canon Rebel 450D in manual mode; Focal length 18mm; Lens 18-55mm; Aperture 3.5, in JPEG (prior to learning about raw). I like the reflection of the clouds in the pond, but the sky still seems a little pale to me. Any suggestions to improve the composition and exposure/colors?

[SuperDan]

Very Good! Very!

I love the sharpness!
The colors are great.


What time of the day was this taken?
Really Nice

[BR915]

THANKS SuperDan!! I appreciate the compliment. This photo was taken around 6:00 a.m. in order to capture that sweet morning light.

[neoHUNTER]

Hi BR I like your shot, especially the reflection in the still water. Whats your shutter speed for this? There is a bit of out of focus but what the heck, its not noticeable. But you might try adjusting your aperture if you get the chance to take another shot. About the clouds, have you consider using a filter to bring out the colour of the sky or tweaking it by some editing software. Overall, this is a great shot. It is worth keeping.

[BR915]

Hi NeoHunter,
THANKS for your comments. My shutter speed was kind of slow - 1/50. I haven't tried filters yet but would like to. I can also try tweaking the sky in CS4, but I'm just starting to learn that as well. :-)

[blackluna]

Originally Posted by BR915

This photo was taken with a Canon Rebel 450D in manual mode; Focal length 18mm; Lens 18-55mm; Aperture 3.5, in JPEG (prior to learning about raw). I like the reflection of the clouds in the pond, but the sky still seems a little pale to me. Any suggestions to improve the composition and exposure/colors?

Hi, BR.

The picture looks good for me. You've done the good work.
Maybe you can consider to have smaller aperture, let say 11 or 16. It will give you deep DOF from foreground till background. Of course, exposure time will increase. You can put the camera on tripod or any fix support on the area.

About the cloud, I have same problem. It's a kind of lucky. Some photographers have chance to take a picture while the cloud is beautiful. Some don't.
It's nature. We cannot predict it.

But, I agree with other to put CPL filter in front of your lens. Rotating as necessary to enhance the blue color. Or, post processing it.

I prefer CPL filter, then post process in photoshop.

[BR915]

THANKS for the comments Blackluna! Like you I would prefer to capture the shot the first time rather than spend time in post production. I will certainly look into getting some filters.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback; I really appreciate it!!

[brian_dg]

I like this shot too I like how those grasses are in the foreground with the reflections in the water though the sky is not that cool, not your fault though...


Where did you focus in this image? which white balance and picture style did you use? and what does CPL stands for?

sorry for asking too much questions I'm really confused about which WB and picture stye to use when.

[RonCar10]

Very nice. If you had shot this with your smallest aperture, using a tripod to allow for a slow shutter speed, you would have had "tack sharp" focus throughout the picture. Good work!

[BR915]

Brian - My WB was set to AWB in the photo, picture style was landscape and I probably focused on the reflections in the water. CPL stands for circular polarize light filter. I haven't tried one yet but I'm told it will help with the colors of the sky and water etc. I would like to purchase one and give it a try. No problem about all the questions, if I can help out I certainly will. I try to remember to set my camera to the proper WB and picture style I will be shooting prior to going out on the shoot. THANKS so much for you comments.

RonCar10 - Thank you very much for your compliment. I'll try a small aperture and a tripod the next time I head up there to take a photo. As always, I'm trying to improve and very much appreciate all the tips from everyone.