Do sun, or not to sun?

[Maritimuz]

I understand the rule of silhouettes. Place the sun behind the object so it's not overwhelming. Leave some sense of light in the foreground so minor detail can be picked up. However, I also enjoy breaking the rules to see what I can come up with. Typically, it ends in failure and I'm left resorting back to the rulebook. I showed the shot below to another photographer friend of mine and she began to quote the silhouette rules. I replied with, "Yea, I know, but for some reason, this shot just really works for me!". She respectfully disagreed, and kudos to her for being honest with me! I'd like to get some insight as to whether or not this photo works for others in the photo-adventuring community. This is my first shot to put up for critique, so I'm a little nervous; but I figured I'd jump in with both feet!

Thanks!



EXIF
Camera: Canon Rebel Xs
Aperture: f/8
Exposure: 1/125
ISO: 320
Bias: -1
Focal Length: 110mm

[MKlem]

In my opinion it is a beautiful picture, but the sun really draws the eye making it seem like more of a focus than the trees. It may look better hidden, but hard to tell without a picture to actually see it. Overall I don't see it as a huge deal, the picture is still beautiful either way!

[Maritimuz]

Thanks! Here is the shot where I followed the rules. I used it for this week's assignment.

[EasternSierra]

Originally Posted by Maritimuz

I understand the rule of silhouettes. Place the sun behind the object so it's not overwhelming. Leave some sense of light in the foreground so minor detail can be picked up. However, I also enjoy breaking the rules to see what I can come up with. Typically, it ends in failure and I'm left resorting back to the rulebook. I showed the shot below to another photographer friend of mine and she began to quote the silhouette rules. I replied with, "Yea, I know, but for some reason, this shot just really works for me!". She respectfully disagreed, and kudos to her for being honest with me! I'd like to get some insight as to whether or not this photo works for others in the photo-adventuring community. This is my first shot to put up for critique, so I'm a little nervous; but I figured I'd jump in with both feet!

Thanks!



EXIF
Camera: Canon Rebel Xs
Aperture: f/8
Exposure: 1/125
ISO: 320
Bias: -1
Focal Length: 110mm

I think this style of silouhette has more emotion and drama, and I prefer it, but there are a few things you could do next time to improve the execution, in my opinion.

As was said, when the sun is partially exposed in a shot like this, it is definitely going to scream for attention. So make it interesting. Compose the shot to put the sun flare in a "power position" using the rule of thirds. Than, tighten your aperture right down as narrow as it will go, and shoot a longer exposure. This will create a nice starburst effect, and if just a portion of the sun is visible, as you have here, it can create a really striking point of focus, in what might otherwise be a rather boring and cliche silouhette.

For the images shown, I think the second works better, as is. But I think you should try again with various amounts of exposed sun for flare and different compositions. Great eye, and fantastic exposures. So if you can nail a great composition to complement...you've got a winner.

[Maritimuz]

Originally Posted by EasternSierra

I think this style of silouhette has more emotion and drama, and I prefer it, but there are a few things you could do next time to improve the execution, in my opinion.

Than, tighten your aperture right down as narrow as it will go, and shoot a longer exposure. This will create a nice starburst effect, and if just a portion of the sun is visible, as you have here, it can create a really striking point of focus, in what might otherwise be a rather boring and cliche silouhette.

I'll keep that in mind! Thanks!

[JohnnyA]

The y are both very nice looking shots. I prefer the 2nd over the first though. I find that little bit of bright sunshine coming through the trees near the bottom right a bit distracting. I don't know if you can tone that down or not with a bit of editing. NOn the less. Nice shots. Keep up the good work.

[Roo13]

I don't know much about the rules of photography so from a purely personal point of view I like the first one. The glimpse of sun, although I can see it might be a little distracting, adds a sense of warmth to the scene where the 2nd feels colder and less inviting.

[daddyoproductions]

I like the second one just because the tree on the left in the first one bothers me. Thanks for the tips about exposures all! TFS
~C