Starting Line

[faisal_76704]

I would really like to know what others think about this picture. How would you take it?Is it properly exposed? Please tell me all the good and bad of this image. Many thanks.

Exif Data:
Nikon D90 | Tokina 12-24mm Dx II | Focal Length 21mm | f22 | 15 seconds | Iso 50

You can also view this at:Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[EOBeav]

Comp suggestion: Shoot from a lower vantage, and edit out all of that empty sky on top, which seems to be just empty space.

[SwissJon]

Your horizon appears to be leaning slightly to the left. Not a lot, but enough to be noticable.

I agree with losing the empty sky, that will bring the horizon up to the top 1/3. It's a pity you didn't include more of the boats, and I think perhaps some careful editing to lose that rope.

[faisal_76704]

I get what u guys are saying.. Composition is very hard,maybe as time goes by,i manage to attain the skills to see things differently. As for the editing process, i really am not good at it. I usually capture the scenery as it is. What i see is what i get. Am hoping to learn the process of editing..

Next time i will try to take this picture as you guys advised. Thanks for the comments.

[SwissJon]

Composition is the hardest lesson, learning to see through the lens without looking, and imagine the final picture. You're not alone, and that's what this thread is for

I do like the colours in your picture.

[Krusty79]

Don't get discouraged. You are really close to getting an excellent shot here, way ahead of some of the other shots we've seen.

Here are some tips that may help - http://www.livermorevalleycameraclub...O_critique.pdf

[faisal_76704]

i do really like the colours too..but in my own opinion,i think this pic is a lilte bit underexposed. Dont u agree?

Thanks for the support Krusty79..Its ok ,i am still in the process of learning. Through out all of the comments given,i might learn from it. Really am hoping to produce a masterpiece. One day,maybe one day..who knows.huhuhu.

[SwissJon]

Only the sky is a bit dark.. The foreground appears to be correctly exposed.

[Krusty79]

Hey, we're all trying for that "perfect" shot. I still haven't got it, even though I sometimes think I might be close when I look through my viewfinder, only to find the exposure was off when I get home and see the image on my computer screen.

Your shot does look a little underexposed. If you are not shooting RAW, you may want to start, as you can lighten RAW files without getting as much noise as you would for a jpg. I would also recommend you become familiar with the histogram function in your camera that will help you to determine if your shots are over/underexposed. In this digital age, you will have to become familiar with an image editing program to tweak your images. Most digital images need some sharpening.

[faisal_76704]

SwissJon
I agree with u,only the sky seems to be underexposed. I really am struggling right now with the exposure value when using 10stops filter. Sometimes it seems fine and sometimes it seems all the way around.. sighs... Most of the times,i just practice the trial and error method. I will keep on doing it untill i get the shot that i desire.

Krusty79
What you see on the camera's lcd isn't the same when we see it at our computer. I tried shooting using RAW,but i am unable to view the files taken at my laptop.Which software can open the RAW files? I am still learning to read the histogram function in my camera. Is there any website you can recommend me in understanding the histogram?i would be very helpful.