Sunset in the Swamp - C&C Invited

[KimC]

Went for a walk last evening with the wild puppy (Raven) in the Bog (open for best view) ... C&C would be appreciated - if you don't feel they work, please feel free to say so as my goal is to learn...

#1



#2 - I was practicing a technique I read about this weekend concerning shooting into the sun...


#3

[Rebel]

For me Kim they are all missing a main subject and depth.

If I like the look of a scene but there is no obvious subject, I look to the floor and use a rock, log etc.

For example in the first one I would of got as low as possible and perhaps made one or a group of those lillypads (sp?) the main subject.

I hope that makes sense and helps

[KimC]

Thanks a lot Matt - that is very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

For me Kim they are all missing a main subject and depth.

If I like the look of a scene but there is no obvious subject, I look to the floor and use a rock, log etc.

For example in the first one I would of got as low as possible and perhaps made one or a group of those lillypads (sp?) the main subject.

I hope that makes sense and helps

[Rebel]

Thanks a lot Matt - that is very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Also whenever I've got an image where I was shooting in to the sun I bring the highlights right down in PS, it normally gives me some nice results.

Give it a try.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

When I open them up to full size or whatever they are when downloaded, there doesn't appear to be anything in focus. They all appear to be rather soft in that respect. Having a main subject/object as Matt mentioned might have helped in that respect too.
Love the scenery though. We ain't got anything like that out west here. Way too dry.

[Shadowman]

Nice effort, the second one is not bad. What does the method entail, should more of the sun be behind the trees or another object with just a portion peeking out? I've tried this type of shooting and for me it's more pleasing when there is some sun flare; but not a lot of sun.

I think the first image has some potential, I would concentrate on the reflections so that it contrasts with the bright sunlight above.

[Geoff F]

Almost there, Kim, and I think you have done all that could be achieved with these subjects; but it still doesn't strike me as 'top notch' photographs, although fine for 'casual use'.

With #1 the bright sun in the background is grabbing all the attention, but there isn't any serious subject there.

#2 was a good idea but it isn't really working for me. Besides the light flare there is a lot of out of focus foliage in the foreground.

#3 looks the best to me. The only thing which is spoiling the effect are those two bare trees in the top right corner. Too distracting, so I would clone them out; but would that mean they have to go from the reflection as well? Maybe add a tad more brightness?

[KimC]

Thanks Matt, I did do that on these - didn't get the result hoped for and I just checked and I wasn't clipping.

Also whenever I've got an image where I was shooting in to the sun I bring the highlights right down in PS, it normally gives me some nice results.

Give it a try.

[KimC]

Thanks for commenting Alan. I have been pretty frustrated with my shooting lately and the results I am getting as to focus. I have been having a problem keeping things stable. Not sure if it's my limitations, or that I just need to shoot more.

When I open them up to full size or whatever they are when downloaded, there doesn't appear to be anything in focus. They all appear to be rather soft in that respect. Having a main subject/object as Matt mentioned might have helped in that respect too.
Love the scenery though. We ain't got anything like that out west here. Way too dry.

[KimC]

Thanks for your input John. I was reading about how to use flare with people. Yes, I agree, more flare was needed and it prob would have been better to experiment with a person in the scene. ;-)

Nice effort, the second one is not bad. What does the method entail, should more of the sun be behind the trees or another object with just a portion peeking out? I've tried this type of shooting and for me it's more pleasing when there is some sun flare; but not a lot of sun.

I think the first image has some potential, I would concentrate on the reflections so that it contrasts with the bright sunlight above.

[KimC]

Thanks for your detailed comments Geoff - much appreciated. I agree with Matt's initial assessment -- no subject in all of them -- shame on me! The scene was just pretty to me and got the best of me - next time I will ask myself what's the subject Kim! I'll try working on the 3rd some more. See my comments above on focus :-(

Almost there, Kim, and I think you have done all that could be achieved with these subjects; but it still doesn't strike me as 'top notch' photographs, although fine for 'casual use'.

With #1 the bright sun in the background is grabbing all the attention, but there isn't any serious subject there.

#2 was a good idea but it isn't really working for me. Besides the light flare there is a lot of out of focus foliage in the foreground.

#3 looks the best to me. The only thing which is spoiling the effect are those two bare trees in the top right corner. Too distracting, so I would clone them out; but would that mean they have to go from the reflection as well? Maybe add a tad more brightness?

[IzzieK]

I like the third one for the effect you did...but I am with Matt about a subject of interest lacking...

[Geoff F]

Yes, Kim, it can be tricky to find the best time/angle/subject of a scene sometimes.

I have places where I regularly pass by, thinking there must be a shot there somehow; and each time I walk around, have another think, and walk on again!

Occasionally I will take a shot or two and have a play around with it when I have some spare time; but I rarely keep anything from those scenes.

At the moment, I'm struggling to find something different for my weekly photo thread and I'm starting to slip behind while searching for inspiration, so I know how you must feel when the shots don't come easily.