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[mwatson]

Camera Pentax K10D
Exposure 10
Aperture f/19.0
Focal Length 10 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
X-Resolution 240 dpi
Y-Resolution 240 dpi
Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.4.1

I went back to the carousel and they were already shut down for the night. So, I took this picture instead. I have been playing around with extremely low angles lately and thought it might work for this shot also. I was hoping for the stone pavers to lead the eye into the picture but after looking at it longer, I think I got too much ground.

There is a lot going on down there and I think if I went much wider, I would have lost the focus of the picture, which is why I cut the top off. Maybe I cut it off a little too much.

As always, thanks in advance.

[mwatson]

I just realized, I did not ask any questions…

I am mainly looking for help with the composition. This thing is photographed time after time and I am looking for an interesting way to portray it.

Should I have gotten the entire ride?

Should I have turned down my ISO to get a little darker sky?

Is the background too distracting?

[Krusty79]

I keep thinking you could get a very cool shot there if it wasn't for the fence/railing. Can you take a shot from underneath the railing or between the bars? Would you lose too much of the ride? You might need a fisheye lens for that.

Or, is it possible to shoot over the railing from an elevated position? Unfortunately, you would lose the pavers, though.

[mwatson]

To get this angle, I have to invert my tripod and turn my camera upside down. After I took the first couple of shots, I was approached by a security guard telling me that I was not allowed to take pictures.

I promptly pointed out all the people taking pictures with their phones or point and shoot but was told, “Well, I can’t stop everyone, can I? I can only stop the people that are setting up tripods and taking their time for a picture.” He went on to say something about 9/11.

This is all to say that it may be a bit before I am allowed to take pictures there again because I have to physically go into the business office of this outdoor downtown type place and ask for permission to take pictures… They are only open 8-5 Mon-Fri.

Anyway, when I do get the opportunity, I will attempt to shoot through the bars. I think if I keep the bars just outside the lens hood my 10mm will get it. Like I said, it is extremely busy down there so I don’t want too from around the subject.

What do you think of cutting off the top? Should I get the very top of the carousel in the picture and risk losing the pavers? Any suggestions on composition of the carousel itself?

[Krusty79]

He thought you might be a terrorist? Jeez! Oh well, better to err on the side of caution.

If you have a choice, I would rather you keep the pavers as they do a nice job of leading the eye into the image. But then, there's the railing...

I was thinking there must be a gate that opens where you could get a clear view of the ride, but you said it was crowded, so I don't think you would be able to get in there and take a shot without the people, especially if that security guard is around.

[crockny]

I disagree about the pavers - they don't do anything for me. The carousel is the interesting part ... would like to see more of it!