shooting into the sun

[garyp]

Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/10.0
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV


Here is a shot of a board walk with a sunset. I like the idea that the sun is "at the end of the path" . I wondered if the sun itself was too distracting and too bright. I never used any filters just adjusted the contrast a bit. Does the sun need softening a bit ? if so how?

Thanks in advance.

Gary

[photogeek72]

I don't think so. I think the brightness is what gives this shot its unique look. If you took this picture with the idea of using the sun as the road ending in mind, my only suggestion would have been to angle the shot so the road (or the poles) did, indeed, faded into the light. The picture shows the poles just below the light. I would have loved seeing the poles fading into the light. A change of angle could have done that. This is a great picture and has a wonderful composition.

[navcom]

Personally I really like the composition. It might look better if the walkway started on the left instead of the right though. It feels a bit lop-sided to the right. If it started on the left and ended on the right, it would lead the viewer better.

I would definitely have opted for a ND grad filter. It would've made it fantastic. Another option would be to use the HDR technique and do several exposures and combine them later in software to get more dynamic range.

Nice job!

[garyp]

Thanks Photogeek and navcom for your comments. I can see how a slight change in angle would have improved the shot more. I still have to learn to take lots of shots from all different angles before rushing off to the next one.

cheers

Gary

[mwanafunzi]

I agree with navcom, the image would better be served with the bridge coming in from the left end. If you are not able to take the shot again then I think cropping the image is your next best option.

You could also do what Navcom suggested and postprocess multiple exposures.