Dragon Boats Composition

[jasony8]

I want to find out what you guys think of this photo:
1. Do you think the overall composition works?
2. What do you guys recommend in doing in pp?
(I've done slight contrast, exposure, etc modifications)

Any other comments/suggestions are appreciated!



EXIF Data:

Exposure 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 24 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias +2/3 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Looking forward to hear all your comments!

[Doug Sundseth]

Processing:

The subject of the photo looks underexposed, which tends to result in drawing the eye to the background. I'd recommend adding fill light/pulling up the shadows on the bottom of the photo.

The primary subjects look like they're quite colorful, but that doesn't really come through in the photograph. That can be addressed partly in post and partly in composition.

Composition:

I'd really like to see a single boat taking up much more of the frame, with the rest of the boats as context. Alternatively, with a long lens you might be able to get much lower and shoot several boats closely stacked. This would show more of the detail and color of the subjects.

The horizon is too close to the middle of the frame for the subject, to my mind. Since the sky isn't very interesting and the subjects in the water are, I'd crop at least half of the sky out of the composition. I'd also crop off much of the left side, which also doesn't have the interest of the boats.


Some of this might be difficult if you're limited to shooting from a dock far from the boats, but even there, if you use a longer lens you should be able to get something more focused on the boats.

Remember that composition is more about excluding distractions than about including everything interesting in the scene. "Pretty" isn't enough of a reason to add something. I think with a bit of work you can make something very nice with the subject.

[MeAgain]

I would have croped in closer to the boats but that's just me. I'm really not very good at composistion. I'm also not very good at PP so I'll leave that to the experts

I like the photo a lot. Great color

[navcom]

I agree with Doug...if the boats are the main subject, there is too much other clutter in the image to make them stand out. They get lost in a sea of buildings and shore clutter and unfortunately that's where your eye gets drawn. Remember that simple is better. Compose your shot and before you push the shutter, ask yourself if you should move closer to eliminate anything that subtracts from the main subject. If you are like me, your answer will usually be yes.

Might have been better to get closer (if possible) to the end boat and shoot very close to it but still see the other boats protrude behind it to produce a nice line. Also, might try a bit smaller aperture to get a greater depth of field (just at tip for future use).

Hope that helps!

[jasony8]

Thanks Doug, MeAgain & Navcom!

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions :P I will try to do some editing. Also, I will keep all your useful tips in mind for the future!