Mustang Beach Sunrise (Port Aransas Texas)

[DZ Tom]

I believe this to be the best photo I have taken yet. Is there anything I could have done to make it better?

[navcom]

Hi Tom! Do you have any EXIF data for the shot? Having that info will help us help you answer your question. Thanks!

[DZ Tom]

Well, I have to say that I do not know what EXIF is. I just got my XTI recently and I know very little. Where do I find that info. Does that have to do with shooting in RAW. I'm what you would call a big time rookie. The photo is off my camera and on my computer. I fear that info is lost.

[Eileen D]

Welcome to DPS, Tom. It's a great site for learning and sharing!

EXIF data includes information like aperture setting, shutter speed, ISO, etc. It is imported to your computer when you download your images. Depending on your program, there are a number of ways to find it. Try right clicking on the image and checking under Properties.
Also if you have uploaded your images to Flickr, you can click Actions and one of your choices will be View EXIF.

Hope this helps!

[DZ Tom]

Thanks you guys! You are very helpful. I feel that I learned something big right now. Here it is: F-stop=f/8 Exp time=1/40 sec ISO=400 Exposure bias=+.3 step White balance= auto Exposure program= shutter priority

[Sterling]

Since you used shutter priority, any particular reason you selected 1/40 sec?

[navcom]

A couple quick things. F/8 is probably a good aperture to start with here. But I agree with Sterling...any reason you chose 1/40th? Did you use a tripod? Also, usually with landscapes it's good to use the lowest ISO your camera can muster...best image quality. ISO 400 is not "wrong", just a little tip to get the best you can get from your camera.

Your composition looks pretty good. I like the image and it's compelling to the viewer. You might try increasing the contrast and/or the black point in post-processing to see if you can reduce some of the "hazy" look.

[EOBeav]

Yeah, this is a nice comp, and you certainly caught it at the right time of the day. If you're just a beginner, and you don't know what EXIF data is, try searching for some tutorials here on DPS. Specifically, look for the Exposure Triangle, then look for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Get a good grip on those terms, and you'll be well on your way to learning how to best find the correct settings for your camera.

[DZ Tom]

Sterling- The best answer I can give is it was very dark and I had heard that slowing the exposure time will brighten up the image. I just kept slowing it down until I could see a good image on the screen.
Navcom- I did not own a tripod at the time. I steadied the camera on a post that happened to be nearby
Thanks for the ISO tip
EOBeav-I will find these tutorials you speak of and learn as much as I can.
To all- thanks for the compliment on the composition and all the good feedback this is my first run at asking for advice in this forum and I am very impressed by how you all have handled my question. You have been very supportive. Thank you.
DZ Tom