Kyoto Sunset

[rx93v2]

I took this shot a few days ago and was looking to get some feedback. How is the overall composition? Also, what about the technical side of things, something I should think about next time out shooting?

EXIF
Exsposure: 1/60 at f/13
ISO: 400
Focal length: 34mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Type of camera: Nikon D5000

[navcom]

It's a pretty picture but not overly compelling. Not that every image has to be overly compelling but if that is what you were going for, you need a bit more. There is no definite subject or "center of interest"...just a pretty sky with some mountains. Also, the vignetting is a bit distracting. Don't know if that was intentional or not.

Technically it's pretty good. I like the exposure. You might consider lowering your ISO to the lowest setting your camera can do. This will give you the maximum image quality. But ISO 400 is not necessarily bad or "wrong", especially for newer cameras.

Again, it's not a bad picture...just critique to make it better.

[rx93v2]

Hey navcom,

Thanks for the advice . I was trying to somehow make the ring in the clouds the focus of the shot. I just found it really beautiful and tried to find a way to compose it. I don't know what I was thinking with the vignetting to be honest. Don't really do much post processing and just tried it out.

Thanks for the bit about the ISO; I'll try it out next time I go out. I'm really wanting to try and find a way to really capture that whole area at sunset and sunrise. It's probably one of my favorite areas in all of Kyoto.

[navcom]

It might help to get some more detail in the foreground. I would try using a graduated neutral density filter to reduce the intensity of the sky and allow for a longer exposure which will pull out the detail in the foreground without sacrificing the colors in the sky. Here is an example of one. If you do, definitely use a soft transition one. Brand isn't super important but don't buy cheap ones. When it comes to filters, you really do get what you pay for.

You could also bracket your shots (1 shot normal, 1 shot exposed for the sky, and 1shot exposed for the foreground) and then combine them in Photoshop or another HDR program such as Photomatix or such.

Personally I like filters. I think they generate much better color depth.

Vignetting in landscapes...think ship porthole...that about covers it. LOL!!!

[Krusty79]

The way it looks now, I don't think all that water in the foreground is adding to the image. I would suggest cropping some out so it comprises about the bottom 1/3 of your image. I think this would also help direct the viewer's eye to the clouds. I do agree that the clouds have nice colors, but are not an overly compelling subject.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi rx93v2,

This a beautiful shot. I love the color especially the sky. I will agree that it would be better with more dynamic range and something of interest in the foreground, a Torii or boat would be great. My question is...

Where did you take this shot? Is it Kamogawa? or Biwako? or up north on the coast? It's a great spot, I'd love to know where it is.

Thanks

KG

[sk66]

IMO you always have to evaluate a scene to determine "what" is there that moves you.
In this case it would seem to be the colors....I would work to emphasize that, even exaggerate it since "pretty colors" often fall short when captured...
To a certain extent a different crop to maximize color would help (see attached).....Post treatments can significantly affect the final result.

[rx93v2]

Navcom: I'll have to try bracketing the shots next time I go out (sadly, I don't have any filters yet). I've taken the vignetting off and I completely get the whole "ship porthole" idea. Couldn't stop seeing it after you mentioned it.

Krusty79 and sk66: Thanks for the advice, I'll have to see what it looks like with the cropping.

KansaiGreenie: Hey, thanks. I took this shot at "Hirosawa no Ike". It's not that well known to a lot of tourists so I love the feel of it. It's also where they still shoot any old style Japanese movie / drama (not to far away from Studio Park). So if you're lucky you might catch some filming. Sadly, there's no Tori gate and most of the fishing and paddling boats are always pulled in at sun down (a few are left out sometimes). There's so much in this area to see and with that there's always a good amount of Japanese photographers as well.

[rx93v2]

Okay, so what about something along these lines? I messed with the color a bit and cropped in.

[sk66]

The second version is better...very nice!