Beachside Photography, Mendocino Coast

[MajorD]

I took the attached photo early November in Mendocino, California using my Panasonic FZ28 in Auto mode and a UV filter. I thought the result was good, but, I'm always looking for ways to improve on everything I do and I'm relatively new to digital photography.

What could I have done differently to highlight the spectacular colors of the early morning without taking away from the cool depths of the shadows and movement of the ocean? I'm still learning all of the bells and whistles of my FZ and have yet to experiment much with the shutter speed, aperture, and filters.

I have thick skin and a developed ability to listen. Please fire away!

Warm Regards,

Major D

[barabe]

Welcome to DPS

I think you will find answers to everything you may want to learn on photography here.

For the picture, first, i would try to roate the shot to get the horizon straight. To get hte warm colors on the rocks to stand out more, i would try to boost saturation a bit and also i would try to sharpen the image and boost a bit the contrast.

You have a good eye for pictures, i am looking forward to see more.

[MajorD]

Top of the morning!

Thanks very much for the suggestions! I've been slowly learning what Adobe Photo Shop can do to enhance photo's, and it's a lot almost to the point of being overwhelming.

I'm thinking about taking a class to help accelerate my learning curve. In the interim I have been using a CD tutorial I received with an issue of Digital Photo magazine from Britain. I liked the tutorials and the writing style of the articles. I plan to take a subscription to the magazine.

I'll post my revised photo. Any other sugestions on what I might do to enhance the photo's I post. Is there a set number of things you check, ie a process for evaluating and modifying photos?

Talk with you soon!

Cheers,

Major D

Originally Posted by barabe

Welcome to DPS

I think you will find answers to everything you may want to learn on photography here.

For the picture, first, i would try to roate the shot to get the horizon straight. To get hte warm colors on the rocks to stand out more, i would try to boost saturation a bit and also i would try to sharpen the image and boost a bit the contrast.

You have a good eye for pictures, i am looking forward to see more.

[Wylde007]

welcome to the forum Major D

firstly you seem to have a good eye for photography, I'm not going to critique this but maybe offer a little food for thought.

you know that lovely rock you have well check out the reflections that are almost their, i'm betting a little more water and some nice early or late evening light will make this photo jump out!! a tripod will be needed, slower shutter speed and maybe f11 or f16 you may need a nd grad filter but i can see things happening here.

all the best

Simon


PS: Some of those British photo mags have some great photoshop/elements tutorials in them from using layers to warming up photos to well just about everything!! worth reading if you can.

[Doctor Atomo]

very nice photo.
Barabe, looking very closely it looks like the horizon may be level.
I am with Wylde007 on the lighting and reflections. I live near the Lost Coast so I know the sun sets in the ocean. That makes me think you may have been able to wait a few minutes and gotten more golden sunlight on your rock?