River at Dusk

[mfalk75]

Camera Model Canon EOS 60D
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 3.2
Av( Aperture Value ) 22.0
ISO Speed 100
Lens EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Focal Length 18.0mm

So I was trying to take these photos at dusk of the river/sky. All of them turned out just sort of blah, nothing special. Was I doing something wrong or is the subject/composition just boring?

[jph]

I like this picture. The reflection show the colors the sky.

[Infinite Monkey]

I think you've got a few problems here.

1. You have no real subject other than the reflections of the sky in the water. I find my eye wandering around the image looking for something to land on.

2. The whole image seems to have a soft focus.

3. With everything else either totally underexposed or out of focus, you're asking the reflections to carry the entire image. While I like the colors, I don't think they're sufficient to accomplish what you're asking of them.

Just my $.02. Hope it helps.

[baileym76]

First off, I love the reflected colors. You could use something as a focal point.

[Null]

This photo has some nice colors, however, it is a bit blurry (possibly due to camera shaking) and there is a lack of subject.

[mfalk75]

Thank you Everyone, your tips are very helpful. I don't know where the blur/soft focus is coming from as I'm on a tripod but I guess with a 3.2 shutter speed if the wind is blowing the trees and such.

I see what you mean about no central focus. So would I use flash to highlight a object in the foreground? Otherwise it would be all dark like the shore. I was actually actively seeking something else to focus on in the front but could not find anything. Would I use a tree? I just didn't see the potential to do much but I feel something could have been done. I think that is what of my problems, seeing something come together with foreground interest and the landscape. Thanks for everyone's input.

[shruggy63]

I really wish I was a bit more expert on this but was your camera set to spot focus? If it was, maybe it just confused the camera that you were spot-focusing on the middle distance? I've just deleted 50 or so pics because of vague, inexplicable OOFness even though I'd shot at F11 or thereabouts.

[mfalk75]

Thanks shruggy but nope, just checked evaluative. Probably the 3.2 second shutter speed, night time shots with long exposures can be tricky I think even with a tripod. Also I think I need to find something to focus the shot on, nothing really that interesting just happened to be there however. haha

[shruggy63]

I'm learning too. I think the spot focus & re-frame might work for similar pics in future? In AV mode. You're probably right about the camera shake though...

[Hill Country Hack]

Here are a couple of tips for shooting longer exposures. Use the self timer to allow the camera to stop moving after depressing the shutter release. You can also look for a mirror lock up feature. The mirror will lock up prior to the shutter opening, this will decreas any potential camera movement. Another option is to get a remote trigger for your camera. They are relatively inexpensive.

Amazon.com: Opteka Wireless Radio Remote Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T1i, T2i, 60D, G10 & G11 Digital SLR Cameras (650' Range): Camera & Photo

They also make cabled releases, but I like the wireless to give myself more mobility and to be in the shot!