STS-131 Launch

[wbrook13]

This was my final opportunity to get a shot of a night-time shuttle launch. I set up, knowing where the launch pad was, and just guessed where to put the horizon, which direction the shuttle would go, how high it would go before turning, etc. This is exactly as it came out of the camera with no cropping. Someone suggested that I crop right below the horizon; when I did that I felt like diminished the overall "effect" - I think the reflection adds to the image.
I have been trying to sell this photo as fine art here in the Florida area, with little success. I love this shot, but apparently it isn't as good as I think.

Any suggestions about what I can do to improve it?




Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Exposure: 124 seconds
Aperture: f/16.0
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire


Thank you, in advance, for your critique.

[dbevisjr]

Personally I like the photo as is. I suppose you could crop some off the bottom but then you would lose some of the reflection which I find very appealing. I also think you picked the perfect spot to set up for the shot. I'm in Melbourne and would love to have gotten the opportunity for a shot of the shuttle going up.

[ronald.be]

I would crop a bit from the bottom (just above your name) but all in all it is a good picture and I would leave it as it is.

[Lightwriter]

Awesome shot! I wouldn't change a thing.

[wbrook13]

Originally Posted by dbevisjr

Personally I like the photo as is. I suppose you could crop some off the bottom but then you would lose some of the reflection which I find very appealing. I also think you picked the perfect spot to set up for the shot. I'm in Melbourne and would love to have gotten the opportunity for a shot of the shuttle going up.

Thanks, dbevisjr. I spent 2 days scouting for a location to set up for the image I had in mind. A little luck was involved in getting the shot, but preparation was necessary as well. I hope that one of the last 2 shuttle launches gets changed to an evening launch . . . I would like to try again. . . . . and you could get a chance!

[wbrook13]

Originally Posted by ronald.be

I would crop a bit from the bottom (just above your name) but all in all it is a good picture and I would leave it as it is.

Thanks, ronald.be. I appreciate your response.

[wbrook13]

Originally Posted by Lightwriter

Awesome shot! I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks, Lightwriter. It's one of my favorites, but it isn't selling like I think it should here in Florida! Maybe it's just the economy . . . . . . .

[endukjenner]

I really like this photo! I keep asking me why it isn't selling? Perhaps you are selling it the wrong places?

[RecurrentNerve]

I like it. It would look good in black and white.

[Depiction]

Great capture mate, I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch.

I as others would crop and zoom in a little to really bring that Highlight section into more of the frame.

If you can capture another launch at night then I wonder if you could do a bulb shot and get the star trails as well??

Hope you have more of these in the future.

Cheers, J.