Wave Runners

[Matt_M]

Nikon D40X
1/500, f/9.0, -1/3EV, 34mm (35mm eqv)
ISO 400, No flash

My goal was to capture these young kids energy and excitement of playing in waves. Additionally, I wanted to juxtapose the kids against the expansive space of beach, waves, and sky. I'm concerned that the tones are too hot in white and took dark on the foreground sand. Thoughts?

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Matt. This is a nice, fun image. Great to look at in winter and wish for summer.

I 'm concerned that the tones are too hot in white and took dark on the foreground sand. Thoughts?

I don't think so. It seems okay to me.

I think you've done an excellent job of capturing their energy and I like the large amount of space around them. But if I could say something else... for me, what would make this image stronger, would be if the boys were running into the frame instead of out of it. In other words, I wish that there was more space on the left, in front of them, than on the right, behind them. But that is just my preference.

KG

[sunvalley23]

I find the brightness slightly distracting, it almost makes the boys in silhouette.

Excellent capture though, they look they are having an amazing time. Makes me want to go run in some waves! If only I lived near an ocean...

[Matt_M]

@KansaiGreenie - I have to say that it did not dawn at me at the time to reorient so that the kids are running toward the camera. With kids I generally try to remain unnoticed as it results in a more natural expression instead of the forced smile or interest in the camera. Next time I certainly will try a couple of perspectives. Also, if I were in a position of the kids running into the camera would me that I would get wet too.

@sunvalley23 - I agree completely about the overwhelming brightness. I've tried to tone down the brightness in Photoshop but lose the details in the shadows. Though, I am not that skilled with PS.

Thanks to both of you on your comments!