Misc Sailboats at dock

nodders · 06-01-2014, 08:31 AM

thoughts on this one? Am a brand new Pentax owner and trying to move beyond my traditional "point and shoot" photography style and actually put some thought into it!

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Adam · 06-01-2014, 09:48 AM

I like the idea you had with this, but IMO the shot doesn't really work because it's too busy and without a central focal point. The fact that the masts are cut off also leaves your eyes wandering. I do like the reflections in the water, though.

If you wanted to re-shoot this particular scene, I think going vertical would work much better. You could also step back and capture more of the marina, which might also result in a less prominent background (the trees).

Sparkle · 06-04-2014, 05:44 PM

At f11 I would expect all the boats to be in focus not just the one in the middle, i. e. Creme Brulee.

Also the scene appears overexposed as the end of that boat is much whiter than the side.

At those settings the result seems to be an anomaly.

**Schraubstock** · 06-05-2014, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by Sparkle

Also the scene appears overexposed as the end of that boat is much whiter than the side

It is not so bad, it is a compromise and I can live with this. To judge by the shadows the angle of the stern almost directly points to the sun (and therefore can't be the same brightness as the sides). It would be very hard to get it perfect without underexposing the rest of the image.

As to the composition I think not much can be done with this pic. It is true, portrait mode would probably be more suitable for yachts with tall masts as the portrait mode would enhance the tall masts even if not all of it, to the very top, can be captured.

With this image I can't decide what is more important, masts or water reflections in the foreground. So why not be cheeky or adventurous and cut away some of the masts and make the foreground more important. Not an ideal solution but worth a try. (See sample below.)

Greetings

Last edited by Schraubstock; 11-01-2014 at 04:24 PM.

Sparkle · 06-05-2014, 05:25 AM

That works better for me.

Winder · 06-07-2014, 12:35 PM

I agree with Adam that its too busy. There is not dominate pattern or focal point. Need to change the perspective and focus on one key element in the scene or back up and go really wide. The time day needs to be early morning or late in the evening to help with the light. Early morning will give you still water which will give a real mirror-like water which is more dramatic. You could also try an late evening shot when the dock lights and boat lights are on.

06-01-2014, 09:48 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I like the idea you had with this, but IMO the shot doesn't really work because it's too busy and without a central focal point. The fact that the masts are cut off also leaves your eyes wandering. I do like the reflections in the water, though. If you wanted to re-shoot this particular scene, I think going vertical would work much better. You could also step back and capture more of the marina, which might also result in a less prominent background (the trees). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-04-2014, 05:44 PM	#3
Sparkle Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,521	At f11 I would expect all the boats to be in focus not just the one in the middle, i. e. Creme Brulee. Also the scene appears overexposed as the end of that boat is much whiter than the side. At those settings the result seems to be an anomaly.

06-05-2014, 04:56 AM	#4
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	Originally posted by Sparkle Also the scene appears overexposed as the end of that boat is much whiter than the side It is not so bad, it is a compromise and I can live with this. To judge by the shadows the angle of the stern almost directly points to the sun (and therefore can't be the same brightness as the sides). It would be very hard to get it perfect without underexposing the rest of the image. As to the composition I think not much can be done with this pic. It is true, portrait mode would probably be more suitable for yachts with tall masts as the portrait mode would enhance the tall masts even if not all of it, to the very top, can be captured. With this image I can't decide what is more important, masts or water reflections in the foreground. So why not be cheeky or adventurous and cut away some of the masts and make the foreground more important. Not an ideal solution but worth a try. (See sample below.) Greetings Last edited by Schraubstock; 11-01-2014 at 04:24 PM.

06-05-2014, 05:25 AM	#5
Sparkle Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,521	That works better for me.

06-07-2014, 12:35 PM	#6
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	I agree with Adam that its too busy. There is not dominate pattern or focal point. Need to change the perspective and focus on one key element in the scene or back up and go really wide. The time day needs to be early morning or late in the evening to help with the light. Early morning will give you still water which will give a real mirror-like water which is more dramatic. You could also try an late evening shot when the dock lights and boat lights are on.