competition shot critique

[Jinks]

I like Photologyst's crop, not least because it removes the heavy shadow and lack of detail under the left side trees in the original.

[sarahle]

I like that crop much better...I had tried a crop off the top but liked my clouds too much to lose them...I did go through and did some lighting on the trees on the left side of the photo but still it did not do much for it...however, this crop changes the whole dynamics of the photo in a good way...I'm gonna rework my raw image and see if I can get the colors popped more...I'm usually not this indecisive about a photo but as Wal said...there is something about the vastness and landscape in this photo..the dimensions of the finished project are supposed to be in landscape orientation and 14w x 9.5 h and since it is for a landscape calendar...landscape is a good thing..thanks y'all for the input on this one.

[Krusty79]

Nice shot, the kayak heading into the lake is a nice touch. My two suggestions would be to shoot this from a lower perspective and to take the shot in the golden hours.

[sarahle]

Yes, I think I should have gone down the bank to shoot a little closer to the water...and it was about 10:30a...really meant to get there much earlier but traveling w/other people...aaawwhhh! I'll do this shot again but, of course, as always, this is the one that counts!! I did do a better crop and I did pop the colors and it's gonna go down the chute as it is..but now, I know where this shot lives...so..you can bet your bottom dollar, I'll be back!