Black and white landscapes and fighting over-exposure

[The Ultimate Tea Cup]

This is my first time to post a photo on this forum, and would appreciate any suggestions on composition and post-processing.



Camera: Olympus E-410
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 14 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: -1 EV

I came across this fence while out walking my dogs, and took a number of photos, but thought this one had the best composition. Also, because the original grass colour was rather bland, I decided to change it to black and white.

Any suggestions of post-processing other than the simple change to black and white I went with? You can see the original here: http://flickr.com/photos/the_ultimat...up/3268139721/

Also, how about composition? I was trying to get a nice balance of sky and ground, so neither dominated the photo too much, but the other shots I took with less sky were slightly over-exposed - like this one: http://flickr.com/photos/the_ultimat...up/3268964262/

[Naidie]

I think the post processing is great and i absolutely love your sky. I don't think the fence makes enough of an impact though. Perhaps a lower angle and getting a little closer would of been better composition wise and make it stand out more.

[tvoelcker]

I think the fence has potential to be a nice compositional asset but as it is it running right thru the center of the image. I think perhaps moving to the right a few steps and perhaps shooting from a lower vantage as mentioned, might help to add a bit interest with the line of the fence.
I like the sky and the natural curved lines of the landscape.
Thanks for sharing..

[das7282]

I like it but I also agree that the fence should be the point of interest. Try a lower angle (for example, get on your knees so your shooting from about half the height of the fence). Also step away from the fence and angle slightly towards it so the fence is coming out of the left (or right) of the frame and receding over the horizon around the center of the frame. Also remember the rule of thirds... make the ground fill about 2/3 of the frame (or at least more than half).

In your photo the sky and clouds are fantastic but the eye is drawn to that fence... So you should make it the point of interest.

[The Ultimate Tea Cup]

Thanks for the advice, everyone - I guess I was trying to cram too much into the shot by having both the sky and the fence feature prominently.

Next time I'm in the area I'll try your suggestions of a lower angle and moving to the side - I'll also need to pick a day and time when the sun and clouds are right so the sky is not washed out.

[tvoelcker]

It's all part of the learning process and this site has great people that are more than willing to attempt to help.
I think the fact you recognized the sky would make a intersting shot and the fence should be included in the composition as wel,l deserves a pat on the back !!