By The Lake

[maybetomorrow]

I took this photo during my visit to one of the biggest artificial lakes in Bulgaria.
I know that portrait mode is generally used for portraits but I though that this photo would look better that way. So, what is your opinion regarding that?

Also, I'm not quite sure whether the composition is all right. I wonder whether it didn't turn out too plain.

EXIF Information

Camera: Canon EOS 1000D
Lens: 18-55 mm Kit Lens
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Program: Manual

[navcom]

I think you are right about the composition. Just looks like an ordinary picture of a lake shore and some rocks. I think your lighting could be better too...pretty harsh. Maybe try shooting earlier or later in the day when the sun is lower in the sky (golden hour). Contrast is hard in the middle of the day....dark water and trees...almost white rocks....water is gray or brown. All this is because of the position of the sun. It's a perfect storm for blandness.

Looks like a beautiful spot though!

[fletch]

Its one of those scenarios that looks way more spectacular in real life than when you get the photo home. To get a good shot in this sort of location you need to follow the landcape shot recipie.

• Its all about the light, shoot in the golden hours to ensure good light
• You need a subject pick something interesting the draws the eye into the shot
• Foreground interest, something interesting close to the camera to depth to the composition
• Horizon following the rule of thirds
• Interest in the sky. There are some clouds but this would look better in the golden hour
• Leading lines - Something to draw the eye into the vista
• Its all about the light, shoot in the golden hours to ensure good light

[kencaleno]

You really need to watch, and wait for the right light tosculpt details from landforms in an image-I have given detail to mid and background and polarized the sky a touch.Ken