Breathtaking Sunset over Marina

[indysgirl4ever]

This is my first real attempt at capturing a sunset with my DSLR. It was so gorgeous I grabed my camera and started shooting! I would like to get some critique and tips on what to do better for exposure, sharpness and composition. Any helpful critique is welcome! Thank you!



EXIF Info
Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
Focal Length: 18.3 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
Mode: Manual
ISO: 400
White Balance: Sunny
Sharpness: Auto
Focus Mode: AF-S
Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Lens FStops: 5.33
Light Source: Natural
Metering: Center-weighted
Focus Mode Setting: AF-S
AFArea Mode Setting: Dynamic Area
AFAperture: 3.5
Retouch History: None

[navcom]

Hi! I think you did a pretty good job with it. A couple pointers that might help in the future...

1 - Use the lowest ISO possible. Low ISO will give better image quality.
2 - A little tip for sunsets. Use the "shade" white balance setting if you cannot custom set it. Shade will actually make your image warmer. I know it's tempting to use the "daylight" or "sunny" setting, but it will actually limit some of the color potential of the sunset. Shade will bump up the reds and pinks and warm the image up.
3 - Use RAW if you can (which will make the white balance issue mostly go away)

Exposure-wise, the only issue I see is your bright area is a bit overblown (but not bad). If you have the means, try using a ND grad filter to balance the contrast a bit. It will save some of the colors and image quality.

Composition-wise, I like it. I like the boats off to the side. To make it better, you might try getting the sun area off to the left a little more...maybe by moving your shooting position a bit to the right. This will put the boats in the right 1/3 and the sun in the left 1/3...balancing the comp a bit more.

Nice job!

[indysgirl4ever]

Thanks, Navcom! I really appreciate the tips! Will try that next time!