I had the chance to catch a sunrise at one of my favorite local farms this morning. Okay, I drank an extra cup of coffee, took my time getting gear together, and finally arrived about an hour after actual sunrise. Luckily, it was just cloudy enough this morning that the sun could shine through the clouds to give them a nice glow.
Everything was handheld this morning -- no tripod -- and I took several shots with different settings. This particular image was taken at 28mm, f/11, 1/40 sec, ISO 80.
So what do you think? What would you change to make this better? Any CC is greatly appreciated!
It's not hard to make this image pop some more in PP, but ultimately you'll have to get used to the idea that in order to shoot compelling images you need to find compositions ahead of time and get up early most mornings.
Ha! I actually started with something like this, but in the end I talked myself out of it because "it's too dark." Thanks for the reassurance... I'll be reworking this in the next day or so.
I do normally get up and moving earlier but today was just a lazy Sunday and, after a late night, I had to dig deep to find that motivation. lol!
Thanks so much for the help, Thorsten... You really have a great eye for these things.
After reading Thorsten's suggestion, I reworked the image and went back to the darker, moodier feel.
I like all versions but what did you actually see? Which one was the closest to how you remember it?
Thanks, Geoff! The 1st version posted is probably the closest to what I actually saw... At around 8:30am, the sky was more pastel than dramatic.
What you make of an image depends on what type of photographer you are. If you like to stay as close to the original look as possible, you're a "documenter" (as opposed to being an "artist").
It's up to you what the final outcome is - a document or a piece of fine art. If you like the gloomy look better then that's what you should go for, it's your work and your decision.
I sometimes think photography ruins our experience of a place. When my wife and I were on holiday in outback Australia a few years back we came across a retired couple who were constantly travelling the world. We were at a location where people were taking lots of photos but they didn't have a camera.I queried this. They said we never take pics we just rely on what we have stored in our minds and prefer it that way.I don't think I could ever do that but there is something in it that resonates with me.I like to be normal sometimes and not always have a camera to my face.
I agree, our passion for photography can definitely ruin the experience. During our family outings now, I find myself constantly studying compositions and colors, and making mental notes about when to return to this particular place to catch the right light. On the other hand, it's also helped me experience places in greater detail, too. I'll find smaller details of an area that I would've overlooked before.
My family has gotten used to me carrying the camera pretty much everywhere, but I've learned that it's better to keep it in the bag most of the time.
Thanks Mark. You know you're in trouble with this when my grandkids, the two oldest ones, run from me in mock horror when they see me coming towards them with a camera.