Cabin+Creek+slow shutter speed

[SGToliver]

My first attempt at a shot like this. I didn't use a filter for this but waited for the light to be just right as to not over expose the cabin and trees. What do you think of the composition? What do you think of when you see this?



Exif data
Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure 3
Aperture f/16.0
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

[sk66]

Nice job with the water.
I would crop some off of the top. The difference in brightness is a bit distracting and there isn't much there. With a bit cropped off the top the eye focuses on the water and is lead to the cabin and then stops there...that's what you want I think.

[Krusty79]

I agree the water looks good. Since you placed the horizon in the middle of the image, it forces the viewer to choose the top or bottom half of the image, as they both compete for attention. Generally, water reflection shots work best with that composition. If you cropped some off the top like sk66 said, it would give the water 2/3 of the image and direct the viewer's eye to the water and will not be distracted by the brightness of the sky.

You could try a polarizer on shots like this and see if it helps.