Knysna Harbour

[jjvdelft]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nxzvyneihO0/TJ...snaHarbour.JPG
Hi I took this picture in Manual mode and want to know if the settings I used are ok or can I improve with suggested settings. What can I do to improve on the compostion?

Camera data:

Sony DSLR A200
ISO 200
No Flash used
18-70mm lens
Zoom 50 mm
Exp 1/2000
F 6.3

[Michael_2010]

Why did you choose those settings? About the only time you want to use such a fast shutter speed is to stop action like during a sporting event, or maybe a bird in flight. With landscape shots you usually want to drop the ISO as low as you can and go with a longer exposure. That will boost clarity and color saturation.

[Sterling]

I think the biggest issue with the composition is that the building looks cut off on the left and the boats are cut off on the right. That sort of leaves the eye to drop into the water at the centre and drown.

Regarding the settings, the shot looks a little dark overall. I don't know if 200 is the base ISO on your camera (it is on mine), but if it isn't, it should just be left on the base ISO for a shot like this. Reducing the shutter speed or increasing the aperture a bit would've provided a brighter image. I don't see anything here that specifically requires a particular aperture or shutter speed so you really could take your pick from many different combinations of settings to get a proper exposure.

[jjvdelft]

As I am new with Digital I test al sort of settings as on manual I will learn better. Your advice therefore is more than welcome , Thanks

[jjvdelft]

Thanks, This is more than helpfull.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by Sterling

I think the biggest issue with the composition is that the building looks cut off on the left and the boats are cut off on the right. That sort of leaves the eye to drop into the water at the centre and drown.

Haha, nice choice of words! Maybe a little harsh, but funny.

jjvdelft, you'll have to decide on what you want to feature as the subject of your photo and how to guide the viewer's eye towards it while eliminating as many distractions as you can. If you wanted the building on the left to be your subject, you should not cut the side of it off and you should not include other parts of the marina that draw the eye away from it. It also helps to use a pier or some sort of line that leads the viewer's eye to your subject. You should also bracket your shots so you have a better chance of getting a correctly exposed image.