Grand Haven Lighthouse - Sunset

[mikoyan]

This was from a trip I took a couple weeks ago where I went across the western end of the state and took lighthouse pictures. This was my last of the night.

From Michigan Exposures

Canon EOS 50D
f/7.1
1/200
ISO-400
56mm Focal Length (I was probably using the 28 to 135mm that came iwth the camera)

What do you guys think?

[JMarro]

Is there anything specific you wish to ask or be critiqued on? I like your composition, but the subjects are underexposed. Lightening these areas might make the image more powerful!

[RecurrentNerve]

I agree. I would either meter for the sky to completely silhouette the foreground or expose more to get the foreground up to scratch.

[wal]

planning a silhouette..?? it wouldnt work with to much dark at the left frame. the boat would be nice..

[mikoyan]

I was trying to get the lighthouse and boat silouetted.

but thanks for your feedback.

[dcclark]

I feel like the photo is split in two -- the lighthouse (classic subject, btw) and the boat. Which is the subject? My eye goes between the two but won't settle down. Unfortunately, I think that you needed to pick one or the other, or at least find a way to get the two closer together. Right now, you have two (interesting) photos packed into one.

[mweingartz]

I was at that very light house in may. I have to say your picture turned out way better. I went north to the sand dunes for my sunset shots.

[mikoyan]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I feel like the photo is split in two -- the lighthouse (classic subject, btw) and the boat. Which is the subject? My eye goes between the two but won't settle down. Unfortunately, I think that you needed to pick one or the other, or at least find a way to get the two closer together. Right now, you have two (interesting) photos packed into one.

I would tend to agree with that sentiment and I had just missed the opportunity to get the sailboat closer to the lighthouse about a few minutes before this shot. It seemed like I needed the sailboat bigger or something. I don't know. But that's why I posted here because I'm getting some good feedback.

This is from the same shoot but just of the lighthouse, do you like this a little better?

From Michigan Exposures

[windrider86]

I've always found the following the rule of thirds is a good guideline to follow. The last one feels very cramped to me. The lighthouse has a great walkway that would play a wonderful role as a leading line up to the lighthouse.
Altho its been years since I have been there, Grand Haven and Muskegon are where I am originally from

[Brittany Allison]

I know you were trying to shoot the lighthouse, but I prefer the sailboat here. Have you tried cropping to just the sailboat and sky?