Feedback wanted

gsgary

Just starting out and would like to know what you think to these shots , don't hold back. These are as they were taken
Regards
Gary

Khaos

Neither really do much for me. There's not much color or texture. Without color, or an interesting object to silohette, a sunrise\sunset is just that, a bright ball rising\setting against the horizon. Two days from now the colors may be brilliant and that nice reflection you got on the water in the first one may lead to a stunning picture. In otherwords, there's nothing wrong with the pictures other than they just happened to be taken at a less stunning time.

gsgary

Khaos wrote:

Neither really do much for me. There's not much color or texture. Without color, or an interesting object to silohette, a sunrise\sunset is just that, a bright ball rising\setting against the horizon. Two days from now the colors may be brilliant and that nice reflection you got on the water in the first one may lead to a stunning picture. In otherwords, there's nothing wrong with the pictures other than they just happened to be taken at a less stunning time.

Thanks
On a boat trip in Turkey a thought i would try it

Jerry Curtis

Some tips
Gary,

Sunrises and sunsets are fave scenes of mine. I'm no expert, but I'd like to offer the following tips from my own experience:
1. When you're shooting over water, you *must* keep your horizon level - or rotate the shot in post.
2. Wide angle shots tend to work better than zoomed-in shots, because it gives you a broader expanse of colorful sky (and water if you're shooting over water, of course).
3. Some of the best color for sunrises and sunsets happens when the sun is anywhere up to 20 minutes (or even more) below the horizon. Don't give up on a sunset until the sky goes quite dark.
4. Decide what's more interesting- sky or water - and make that about 2/3 or more of your image (not necessarily always, but good "rule of thumb").
5. Unless you determine that centre is for some reason the best place for the sun (or the brightest area), try and place it a bit off centre (guideline - not a "rule").
6. You are unlikely to get a stunning sunset or sunrise if the sky is clear. You need either thin cloud or heavier cloud that's broken at or near the horizon. You can improve your chances by observing the sky beforehand, but you can never be 100% sure. Many times I was sure I would get an amazing sunset and it fizzled, and other times I've been very pleasantly surprised when I didn't expect anything dramatic. Of course I've missed some amazing ones, too, by not being prepared for them. The stunning bits can be very fleeting!

Good luck and don't give up. There aren't many scenes more beautiful than a great sunset or sunrise in my book - especially if you've pressed the shutter on it yourself.

A few of my initial attempts are here if you care to look:
http://www.pbase.com/icicle50/sunsets_and_sunrises

gsgary

Is this any better

wxwax

Hey Gary, one thing I notice is that your horizon isn't horizontal. Can you see how it tlits slightly down to the right in each shot? The reason might be how you hool the camera to your eye, and whether your head is a little tilted when you shoot. BTDT. :uhoh

gsgary

wxwax wrote:

Hey Gary, one thing I notice is that your horizon isn't horizontal. Can you see how it tlits slightly down to the right in each shot? The reason might be how you hool the camera to your eye, and whether your head is a little tilted when you shoot. BTDT. :uhoh

I will have to try harder:cry

gsgary

wxwax wrote:

Hey Gary, one thing I notice is that your horizon isn't horizontal. Can you see how it tlits slightly down to the right in each shot? The reason might be how you hool the camera to your eye, and whether your head is a little tilted when you shoot. BTDT. :uhoh

How about this one