Composition: Adrift in the Wrong Time

[MeAgain]

I know, this is the complete wrong time of day. I suck. I couldn't manage to get my butt out of bed at 5AM to make the hour + drive to Driftwood Beach in time. The only cool thing about this time of day is the shadows. I know there has to be a way to crop & PP this into the interesting photo I think it could be.

So, specifically, cropping suggestions and PP techniques would be welcomed.

This is a completely unedited photo right from the camera.



Filename: IMG_7766.jpg
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/350 sec
Aperture: 8.0
Focal Length: 39mm
Flash Used: No

[dvtldav]

I would try cropping in from the right side making it a square crop with the large piece of driftwood filling the frame from left to right then do a B/W conversion.

Dave

[MeAgain]

Like this?

[MeAgain]

Or more like this?

[3bayjunkie]

Originally Posted by MeAgain

Or more like this?

yes that is what he meant. looks better

[SwissJon]

Personally I like the first crop, the shadows are more interesting and the large trunk blocks the movement of the eye in the second.. It's a bit of a shame you didn't get closer and explore the different angles and depths of field. A photo from the other direction with the trunk leading into the frame would have worked well here.

But your B&W conversion needs a bit of work anyway.. It's a bit plain. Perhaps pushing the contrast a bit and introducing a bit of grain.

[MeAgain]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Personally I like the first crop, the shadows are more interesting and the large trunk blocks the movement of the eye in the second.. It's a bit of a shame you didn't get closer and explore the different angles and depths of field. A photo from the other direction with the trunk leading into the frame would have worked well here.

But your B&W conversion needs a bit of work anyway.. It's a bit plain. Perhaps pushing the contrast a bit and introducing a bit of grain.

I actually thought of that but facing the other direction was a big bridge I didn't want in the shot. I should have taken the shot anyway though because you're right. I think it would have been a more interesting shot.

I have no idea what I'm doing when I edit. I just push buttons till I get something I like. Perhaps it's time for me to take the plunge and play with the "Advanced" settings.

Adding grain? Really? I've never thought of such a thing. With the crap cameras I've been using up till now I'm hyper sensitive to noise and go to great lengths to eradicate it. Admittedly, sometimes to the detriment of the shot. I'll give it a go. Thanks for the advice.

[dvtldav]

The second crop was more what I was thinking and I like it better, but that is just me. If you go back try lowering your perspective. Get down on the ground and try shooting.
I like the shot a lot.

Dave

[MeAgain]

Originally Posted by dvtldav

The second crop was more what I was thinking and I like it better, but that is just me. If you go back try lowering your perspective. Get down on the ground and try shooting.
I like the shot a lot.

Dave

Thank you very much for the comments. I've learned quite a lot. I'll be going back very soon. With luck I'll manage sunrise next time.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by MeAgain

I actually thought of that but facing the other direction was a big bridge I didn't want in the shot. I should have taken the shot anyway though because you're right. I think it would have been a more interesting shot.

I have no idea what I'm doing when I edit. I just push buttons till I get something I like. Perhaps it's time for me to take the plunge and play with the "Advanced" settings.

Adding grain? Really? I've never thought of such a thing. With the crap cameras I've been using up till now I'm hyper sensitive to noise and go to great lengths to eradicate it. Admittedly, sometimes to the detriment of the shot. I'll give it a go. Thanks for the advice.

Think about Lomography photos.. And Poloroid Photos.. The colour and focus is all over the place, but the photos are far more interesting than they would be without these enhancements. Perfection does not add interest when the subject is pretty ordinary.. I use Post Processing as a tool for enhancing my photos, usually that means perfecting the photo and reducing grain, getting the colour right etc etc. but when you have an unusual subject like this that is crying out to be made into something artistic, it's worth a try to get the tools at your disposal to push it a little.

Oh.. And I suggest you work on a copy of your photo if you aren't familiar with the tools. That way you can't hurt anything.. Think of it like taking your camera out of "Auto".. Post Processing is a tool in the creative process.. What you do with it and how much you use it is up to you, but I would suggest subtlety is the key.. Try to keep to no more than 20% change of any particular slider.