East Coast Trail, Newfoundland

[Chris Smith]

Wouldbe really interested in hearing a critique of this shot...the usual, composition. exposure, etc.



c_smith@nl.rogers.com, on Flickr">

[windrider86]

Heres the exif for you
Exif data
Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 41 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Orientation Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi

[danbaileyphoto]

It's a nice scene, but I'd like to see a very defined subject element in order to anchor down the composition and let the viewer know what the shot is really about. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be looking at.

A strong photo needs a very definable subject. When you're out shooting, ask yourself, "what's the picture about?" If you can't answer that question, then your viewer won't know either.

Also, the foreground bushes that are out of focus detract from the shot. If you're going to include a foreground, it should do something for the image, not just be there. You'd want to accentuate it and place it in focus. If not, then simply raise the viewpoint of the camera a bit and exclude that stuff.

Also, make sure your horizons are straight, that makes a big difference.

It does have a nice curve and some good lines that lead the viewer's eye around the image.

I've actually hiked the entire East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, what a beautiful place!

[Chris Smith]

Dan: wow. Thanks so much for the feedback, Should have to pay for that kind of advice. Even after two years still feel like I'm on such a massive learning curve. I've completed hiking the full trail which is easier when you live here....it is truly beautiful. Maybe I'll post a couple more and see if I can get some additional feedback bites. Thanks again....Chris

[danbaileyphoto]

You're welcome. Photography is a lifelong process where you never stop learning how to improve your imagery.

We hiked the trail in one shot, came to Newfoundland about 6 years ago for two weeks. Really fun trip, met so many nice people and loved hearing the whales sing while we slept in our tent at the top of some of the cliffs.

[Krusty79]

We frequently get submissions in the Critique section that have a nice overall scene, but lack that one compelling subject. Because of this, I started this thread:

Is a compelling subject required?

[EOBeav]

Some excellent points here. One way I've grown as a photographer lately is to not just take pictures of scenes, but to take pictures of interesting objects within that scene. This is a beautiful place to shoot. One other thing I was going to say is that be sure and hit a place like this either first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. My best shots take place 15 minutes before the sun hits the horizon to 15 minutes after. You'll get some great photos that way and everybody will be wondering how you got to be such a great landscape photographer so fast. :-)