Tutong Beach, Brunei - Composition?

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi everyone,

This is my first attempt at a landscape photo. In the absence of an ND filter, I have cheated a bit by melding two photos together...one exposed for the log and one exposed for the sky Anyway, my questions more relate to composition: I have tried to work with the rule of thirds by positioning the horizon about a third of the way down the frame and positioning the log starting in the bottom left corner. However, something still feels off and I can't quite put my finger on it. How might you have composed the shot?

(Side note: as I presently only have a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I'm pretty constrained in my focal length selection...will all change soon hopefully...when the minister of finance agrees to release funds )



EXIF:

Camera Canon EOS 50D
Exposure 0.1 sec (1/10)
Aperture f/22.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Thanks for your help!

[mwanafunzi]

it might be because the log is leading you out of the photo; rather than into the photo.

One thing that really stands out in this photo for me is the exposure of the beach. It is truly amazing.

[richard.beatson]

Nice photo. One thing though, the line of the horizon doesn't look right which may be because you have used two differently exposed photos. If the sky were that red colour then you would expect to see it partially reflected in the sea. However, your sea is grey.

[JabberwockJess]

I think the composition on this is great and the exposure on each individual section is fantastic, but melded together they need some work as it doesn't look natural.