Taking it in

Very nice work.

Wonderful sunset shot! Framing the subject with the tree works well IMHO.

Indeed, the framing really does the picture.

Great Photo...Nice Job!

Very well done Cliff. The person in foreground isn't so visible against the sun. Maybe cropping the picture giving more result to this person could give a point of attraction and a different feeling.

Very good. The tree is fantastic.

 

Unlike a previous commenter, I think it's okay not to have much emphasis on the person. In fact, I suspect that the body has been darkened in post-processing; it looks fake compared to the other elements in the foreground. (That detracts from an otherwise beautiful photo.)

John,

 

I did adjust the contrast/brightness level of the person watching the sun intentionally, regardless if it looks a little unnatural. At about 6pm when I took this shot, the sun started to look like a fireball because of the surrounding clouds, it looked very surreal. There is actually 2 people in this shot, another is on the bench they were having a conversation. The person who decided to stand up & walk over for a better view, to just "take it in" seemed in awe of what he was watching. I really wanted to portray that. Whether or not I accomplished that is of course left to interpretation, but I'm happy with the result.

 

hey all,...this here is my second sunset,Although my focal point

isn't exactly the sun, what do you think? I'm somehwhat new to all

this so please let me know your thoughts on detail, composure,

asthetics, etc. Every comment and rating helps me out and is very

much appreciated.

Cliff, I have looked this over a few times now. Indeed it is very dramatic with the sun looking like an atom bomb going off somewhere. You also framed the sun nicely with that tree. This is the kind of tree to do this with. I have seen others try it without success, because the tree is simply too thick or dominating. The bottom or foreground element is also quite dramatic in my opinion. There is the person (just visible enough to work in this case). The bench, as well as the smaller bushes all seem to be a nice touch by themselves. The problem that I see here Cliff, is that something here in the foreground perhaps needs to go. It is just a bit too clutterd since all of these elements are in this at the same time. What would I do?? That is a tough call...either clone out the bench, and perhaps one of the bushes and leave the person. The problem I have with that is that the person and the sun are possibly too close together....more separation would be better. So, the other idea that seems to look possible, would be to clone out the person. By leaving the bench and bushes, you will have a better balanced image in my opinion here. When I cover over the person with my finger, it seems to work.

 

Once again here (with only your second sunset capture) you have proven that you have a very good eye, and your desire to learn will only take you to great things!! Look forward to more.

 

Best,

 

Vince

I always appreciate your detailed comments and advice Vince, but I have some reservations when it comes to changing the actual image. I have no problem with slight contrast/saturation adjustments when needed. However, I think it's unethical to completely remove or even worse add elements to a photograph,...I think I'll rely on my growing experience to "see" a better shot on my own. That definately cannot hurt.

Nice point Cliff. Some food for thought however. In todays gift and gallery locations, many photographers are indeed selling their work. I have seen and compared the old school verses the newer digital type of images. The ones that are determined to stick with the old are in fact being left in the dust...no exaggeration either. It has changed how I look at this business now. People simply want something that grabs them...catches their attention so to speak. My honest opinion if you ever decide to display your work, is to simply make each image as beautiful as you possibly can. The guy whose images will be selling next to yours will probably be doing just that, so just be very careful about how set any of your ideas regarding this business might be. Personally, I never add things to my images, but certainly will edit out unwanted people, trash, occasional power lines etc. Just something to ponder over. I used to feel similar, now I see the light....and have adjusted some things accordingly.

well done.

This is very poetic! great job!!!

GREAT AND WELL MADE IMAGE . CONGRATULATIONS !

Wonderful Shot, agree with Vince, a little busy in the foregound... don't be afraid to

off-center your subject. Great color and contrast.

Cliff; 1st I'd like to say thanks for the complimentary comments on my small portfolio-- made my day.

 

I like this sunset very much-- It's really the tree that makes the pic-- very nice. Re: Vincent's comments, I think I might clone out the roof tops below the sun which would add even a greater sense of "loneliness" to the photo. Cheers. Craig

I see you like to visit the same lake at sunset as Ms Cohn. Perhaps you now visit it together? ;-) Anyway, loath as I am to agree with our Hawaiian friend, he does have a point regarding the cluttered foreground. In an ideal world the bench and bushes would be absent and the lonely figure would be standing further on the right, but I don't think these things matter greatly as this is predominantly a mood picture, which works well thanks to the connection between the man and that blazing sun. I like the way the flare from the sun bathes his head and shoulders. I fear you've been flattered with 6/6s by some friends, but this is certainly an attractive picture.

 

Regarding Vince's road to Damascus experience, we certainly see ample proof of his desire to violently grab the viewer's attention from a page of thumbnails by over-cooking the colours. But producing pictures solely for profit can remove the desire for creativity and experimentation, producing a commercially safe but dull, homogeneous portfolio. Why do you think so many popular songs, TV programmes and movies all follow the same, tired old formulas? If money is your main motivation, follow Vince's advice. If you are interested in developing your own creative potential, do your own thing and good luck to you...

Ah Trevor, Always a pleasure. Actually Ms. Cohn and I are celebrating our aniversary this August,I thank you for noticing. As far as the reasoning behind my images... you'll just have to view more of my portfolio to figure it out. Take care.

Cliff, I said it on the other sight, and I will say it again here. I love this picture. Thank you for introducing me to photo.net I am learning so much more from comments made on my photo's and I have only been here a very short time.