Sunset at Cochin Port

[prashant_s]

This is my first attempt to capture the port at sunset time and wanted to know some critics and if there are are any improvements I could have made.

I have attempted to apply the Rule of Third to give more emphasis on the skyline than the water.



Info :
Camera Model Canon EOS 500D
Lens : Canon 50mm Prime lens
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 6
Av( Aperture Value ) 11
ISO Speed 400
Flash Off
FE lock OFF
Peripheral illumination correction Disable
File Size 902KB
Live View Shooting OFF

[sourav]

Horizon at the thirds would have brought more intrest. right now, you have a huge empty sky on top.
Moreover, I see you have used Canon 50mm Prime lens. Isn't it like a real fast lens? you could have used a zoom lens for this one.
A lower ISO will let you increase your time and reduce the glow of false lights and bring out the colours of the sunlight better.
Since the point you are focusing at is pretty far, you could use a lower F number as a shallow DOF wont affect your shot.
BDW, the place and time you chose is marvellous.
Cheers.

[Krusty79]

I think you need a telephoto lens to get closer to the port. Right now, everything is so small because you are far away. If you can get closer with a telephoto and fill the screen more, you won't have to worry about filling all that sky. If you still want to capture the width of the port, you can do a panorama.

[mazzachre]

The horizon is off be a few degrees. So when you go back to re-shoot with more water, also make sure the horizon is straight It make the water run out to the right.

I don't find anything wrong with using a prime lens for these things, I do so myself, stepping it down and shooting long time.

I don't know the subject, but personally I would like more of it Perhaps in panorama layout? Either that or alot less of it.

[SwissJon]

As has been noted before.. The horizon is askew.. Also there's too much sky.. I like the sky on this photo, but would be tempted to go there when there were more clouds in the sky to add interest.. Otherwise, lower your lens so the port is at the top 1/3rd and concentrate on reflections in the water.. Reducing your ISO to 100 and increasing your exposure time to around 25-30 secs would have smoothed out the water even more, making the scene look that much more tranquil. You would also be better going on a day when the sea is as calm as possible, to increase the reflected light, if you're lucky, you might be able to get the shapes of the crane and the boats reflected in the water, which would be great.