Long Exposure...

[medicallyblonde]

Hey all. I have just started taking photography classes. I wanted to see how you all think I can improve this picture. I really like it but something seems off about it? Maybe the crop is too close?



Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
ISO 200
Aperture: f14
Focal Length: 34mm
Shutter Speed: 1/4
Used an NDX8 filter.

[Barry Jackson]

The brightest spot in the picture is on the edge of the frame. It either needs to be cropped out or darkened.

The brightest spot will always draw your eye to it. Use the bright spots to lead you to where you want people to look.

Also the color balance seems too blue.

You did good with the shutter speed and seeing the image.

Maybe try a black and white version?

[Mindmeld]

I think exposure is good but like barry where do you want the viewer to look.?

I actually dont look at the brightest part my eyes gets drawn to the fallen tree, which if not intended maybe change the crop ?.

[medicallyblonde]

Whoops repeat.

[medicallyblonde]

Originally Posted by Mindmeld

I think exposure is good but like barry where do you want the viewer to look.?

I actually dont look at the brightest part my eyes gets drawn to the fallen tree, which if not intended maybe change the crop ?.

Thank you guys so much. I really appreciate the input. I wanted the focus to be the branch actually. I will def tone down the brightness in the edge of the picture. I toned up the blue for my monochrome submit but I will def tone it down when I submit for school. Thank you so much for the suggestions! Keep them coming. This is my homework for my first photography class, I am so excited to get back into my passion.

[Rogern123]

To get the focus on the tree and those icicles I would be tempted to make the exposure even longer, 1s or so (I presume you are using a tripod), to turn the water into a misty / milky blur. Possibly also get down lower if that doesn't involve getting wet

[EOBeav]

Don't listen to these people; your shutter speed is fine. If you're going for pure silk, then yes, you (generally) want shutter speeds of 1-2 seconds, if not more. That depends on the speed of the water, though. But what I sense is that you really like the detail and and the motion that shows up a this shutter speed. And I agree.

What I see working against you is that stick at the bottom of the image that doesn't really take me anywhere. Any chance you can get lower and shoot this little falls straight on?

Oh, and yes you have a little bit of a blue cast, but that's easily fixable. Keep up the good work.