Sunset

I know these rocks!  :)    

I think you did a really good job. I think I detect a very slight halo at the top of the big rock though.

the compositional elements are all there, but a little fine tuning could make this even more powerful. first of all, the juxtaposition between the four rocks is great. the contrast between the two similarly-sized rocks and the larger rock lends perspective, as does the fact the largest rock is closer. the fourth rock gives our eyes something to take note of in the foreground, so it's not just wasted space. a lot of times, in a shot like this, people will forget the foreground and just focus on the main subject. in this case, the inclusion of a strong foreground element makes adds to the sense of totality of composition. adding to the sense of composition is the strong diagonal line running left to right to the upper RH corner, from the tip of the first rock to the tip of the second rock. the use of shadow and light is really good too. very simple, very natural, it just works.

but... (you knew it was coming),,, the sun is distracting here. there's just no way around it. it adds little to nothing to the composition, and actually it takes away a little bit from the conversation the rocks are having with each other, because it's so bright, it demands attention. it also flares just slightly on the second rock. i also think the water in the bottom third forground could have been more emphasized. IMO, what would turn this from a good pic to a great one is repositioning the sun.

how do you do that, you ask? simple. just give it a quarter-turn. j/k. actually, wait a little longer, for the sun to dip almost onto the horizon line. the closer it gets, the more it will deepen the colors; you should get some reds/oranges and maybe purples from the reflections on the water when it reaches the horizon and a few moments after.

next, move about 3-4 steps to the right and maybe 1-2 steps forward. this will do two things: it will put the sun behind the second rock, which is where you want it. second, it will move the water a bit closer, giving you more of that sunset glow reflected on the water. in effect, you are using the sun as backlighting. if you do it right, it should outline the second rock, giving it a visible aura effect.

i would line up the sun in the shot, and then keep shooting as the sun dips past the horizon, lengthening exposure time the darker it gets. the optimal exposure should actually be reached just a little after sunset, but you can keep shooting until there's no more twilight. the light will change as you do this and you can get some real nice colors (thank you, California!) if it's light enough when you start shooting, you can use a CPL which will deepen both the skies and the water. take the CPL off if your image becomes too dark.

in general, you can't go too wrong with California sunsets, but you want to make your sunsets more unique and less generic than the 1000s of California sunsets everyone else has seen by now. this is where composition comes in. as i said earlier, all the elements are there, but shifting the angle of view and repositioning the sun could make for more intense colors, less distraction, and an overall more impactful photo.

Hey Garry,

I have seen your books and i am sure no one knows these rocks better than you :-)....

I am glad you reviewed this picture i would appreciate if you can review the Golden Gate one.

Regards,

Sunil