RR Tracks as the sun gets ready to set

[gdowden70]

I took this photo in the late afternoon. The sun was still pretty bright and as a result I had to do some selective dodging. Would I have benefited more from using a graduated ND filter on this image? I'm also interested in what you think of the composiiton. Is there a lack of focus? Do I need a stronger subject?



EXIF:
Pentax K110D
06/12/2009
1/1600 sec
f/11
ISO: 200
18 mm focal length

[ricklumpas]

I'm also interested in what you think of the composition.
-I like it. Placing the end of the tracks on the lower left for me is great.

Is there a lack of focus?
- since your title starts with RR, I guess the RR needs more focus. But it looks more of a landscape shot. It would have been sharper if you used a smaller aperture than f/11.

Do I need a stronger subject?
- the entire landscape is already beautiful subject.

[paulq]

I like the composition. they say leading lines are most effective if they come from the lower left corner going to the upper right. my only comment is that the railroad is little bit dark for me compared to the overwhelming brightness of the sky. but i think getting the proper exposure on the RR is difficult without using a filter or without overexposing the sky. Nice work overall!

[dcclark]

The uneven polarization in the sky is very distracting to me -- I love the deep blue of the upper right, which accentuates the light in the clouds. The lower left of the sky, however, is noticeably different and not as interesting.

As far as leading lines -- the tracks are very good for this, and I like that. However, they lead my eye right off the side. I would suggest that you can fix this in a couple of ways:

1. Go for symmetry, bringing the tracks into the middle, and composing to emphasize them more. That would make the tracks themselves more of a subject.
2. Find something for the tracks to lead towards -- an interesting tree, for example. That would also help.

So, good start! Keep it up...