Swiss Alps - snow on bench

[marcelo_valente]

I would like to know how I did on this shot regarding composition! I think I did a good job, but analyzing it now a while later, maybe I should have included the whole shadow of the bench, or maybe changed orientation. Also, I believe that the exposure was correct being snow all around. Please give me your opinion?
I didn't have my DSRL yet back then so this was done using Canon's SD1000 point and shoot.




Exif:

Camera Canon PowerShot SD1000
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/8
Focal Length 5.8 mm
ISO Speed 80
Exposure Bias 0/3 EV

Thank you,

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi marcelo_valente,

Wow! I like this. Suffering through the hot July in Japan this image really cools me off.

should have included the whole shadow of the bench, or maybe changed orientation.

I'm not bothered by the shadow being cut off. I don't think that it detracts from the image. However, I do think that this would be a nicer image if it was long horizontal image, because, for me, the image is about the mountains, not the bench and a horizontal image would show more of the mountains.

Good job on the exposure. The snow is a nice, bright white.

KG

[Aleix]

Amazing picture, great exposure.
I love the mountains at the background!!!

[Slyanius]

I think you did a great job exposing the snow. All too often snow comes out gray if you meter it normally.

[marcelo_valente]

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi marcelo_valente,

I'm not bothered by the shadow being cut off. I don't think that it detracts from the image. However, I do think that this would be a nicer image if it was long horizontal image, because, for me, the image is about the mountains, not the bench and a horizontal image would show more of the mountains.

KG

Hi KG,
I tried cropping the image as a long horizontal, as you suggested, to see what the result would be but couldn't fit everything together in that orientation, so I went for a square and WOW!! I think it made a fantastic difference and improved the shot a lot!! What do you think?
Thanks for the advice! Composition can be a tricky thing. A little chance can make a world of a difference.

[marcelo_valente]

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi marcelo_valente,

I'm not bothered by the shadow being cut off. I don't think that it detracts from the image. However, I do think that this would be a nicer image if it was long horizontal image, because, for me, the image is about the mountains, not the bench and a horizontal image would show more of the mountains.

KG

Hi KG,
I tried cropping the image as a long horizontal, as you suggested, to see what the result would be but couldn't fit everything together in that orientation, so I went for a square and WOW!! I think it made a fantastic difference and improved the shot a lot!! What do you think?



Thanks for the advice! Composition can be a tricky thing. A little chance can make a world of a difference.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi again,

Hey! Looks great! I understand about not being able to do a horizontal crop with this image; you're right there just isn't enough there. For future images: one of the things that I try to do is take two versions of a scene (one each way) because sometimes you just don't see things until later and if you have two versions you can really play around with the image.

Looks good!

KG

[marcelo_valente]

Hi KG, that is a good tip! I'll use it next time.
Thank you.

[ckodonne]

If you use your Rebel at 18mm - or get a wide angle lens - and retake this photo as a landscape, you'll see an amazing improvement. Although the subject matter is great and you did a great job exposing the snow, the composition is a bit bland.

Alternatively, you could make this a fantastic panoramic image if you have a tripod.

[marcelo_valente]

Originally Posted by ckodonne

If you use your Rebel at 18mm - or get a wide angle lens - and retake this photo as a landscape, you'll see an amazing improvement. Although the subject matter is great and you did a great job exposing the snow, the composition is a bit bland.

Alternatively, you could make this a fantastic panoramic image if you have a tripod.

Hello ckodonne, at the time I had only a point and shoot, and now it would be simply impossible to revisit that location and retake the shot. It was on one of the passes going from Switzerland into Autria or somewhere around there. I have nooo idea how to get back there
But now I have the DSRL and will keep your tips in mind. But it will be a while until I see some snow again. There is none where I live, so only when I go traveling again and get some permanent snow.

Thanks for the tips.