three peaks

[cristen]

Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/14.0
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Hi. I submitted this photograph as an entry for the Weekly Assignment but I posted it here as well to get some feedback.

I took this photo when it was almost dusk. Those peaks are in the east and I liked the color of the sun's reflection from the west. There is a gloomy air in the photograph and I hope I have conveyed it.

Please comment on the composition, the exposure and the cropping. Is the photograph cluttered? Where would you lock your focus if you were to take this photo? Is it too dark?

Thanks for taking time to look and comment.

[chicagojohn]

[QUOTE=cristen;1186765Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/14.0
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Please comment on the composition, the exposure and the cropping. Is the photograph cluttered? Where would you lock your focus if you were to take this photo? Is it too dark?

Thanks for taking time to look and comment.[/QUOTE]

I like the transitions in light and color going from left to right, going from light to dark and less color to more, and in addition the mountains going from higher to lower. The shadow on the prairie carries this gradation in light there as well. The dark clound forms a diagonal along the same path, from left to right. To me, this all fits together very coherently.

Trying to imagine it in reverse, I decided it would not have worked as well, maybe because we are so accustomed to reading text from left to right.

[cristen]

Originally Posted by chicagojohn

Trying to imagine it in reverse, I decided it would not have worked as well, maybe because we are so accustomed to reading text from left to right.

Thank you, ChicagoJohn. You saw what I've seen. But I have a confession to make. I reversed it for exactly the same reason.

[SwissJon]

Your horizon (where the grass meets the trees) is wonky.. It gets lower to the right. It maybe that you were on a hill, but the trees seem to slope that way two, which makes your whole photo look a bit lop sided, especially with the darker parts of the image on the right hand side also.

The other thing that bothers me a little is that the foreground and trees on camera right seems a little under exposed. Maybe that was your intention, but you've lost a bit of detail that might have otherwise added interest. I would be tempted to D&B that back up a little.

And then perhaps use a graduated contrast filter on the left to improve the contrast slightly and bring the mountain into view a little more.

In all a nicely composed photo though.

[StarShark]

This almost looks like the Mayon Volcano in Bicol, Philippines?

But yeah the left side of the picture needs to be brought out more and the framing is not level. But great photo opportunity and scenery. Wish I can see it in person but thanks for sharing!

[cristen]

Starshark, yes it is Mayon Volcano. How come you know?

SwissJon, I have to admit I was a little hasty taking the shot coz it was starting to drizzle.... but I know it's no excuse

Thank you for your comments...maybe I will have to take another shot but I am sure it wouldn't be as colorful...

[SwissJon]

I'm not saying this is a bad photo, I'm just saying it needs a little tlc to get it from being a good shot to a great shot!

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I'm not saying this is a bad photo, I'm just saying it needs a little tlc to get it from being a good shot to a great shot!

I love your signature line, SwissJon: It is actually my modus operandi Good comments on this thread, by the way.

[SwissJon]

Thanks.

[StarShark]

Originally Posted by cristen

Starshark, yes it is Mayon Volcano. How come you know?

Where else are you going to see a perfect cone shaped volcano in front of a rice field lined with coconut trees? Plus Bicol was summer vacation home for me because my ninong ran a radio station there and Mayon was their backyard.

But please take more pictures. I sorely miss the PI