Originally posted by Architecture This is very pleasing compositionally, but I feel like it's got a couple things to look for next time.
Firstly, focus is a bit soft, even at f8. It looks like critical focus starts somewhere around gentleman in the golf cart. Wish either your friend or the horse were critical focus.
Secondly, and this is the trickier thing to learn, I think: always expose for your highlights. Shadows will recover incredibly well, but once your highlights are blown out, there's no coming back. Better to underexpose your photos so that the sky detail is retained and can be pulled down without getting all...digital looking.
Keep it up!
Thanks for the input. I agree with what you said about focus. This wasn’t a composed shot at all. I was actually shooting rodeo action with the light to my back when I turned and spotted this scene. It was one of those throw up and shoot moments. I would have thought AF would have picked up on the movement of the pony tail. Unfortunately, I missed I suppose. As much as I love my Pentax cameras, I own a 10d, 20d and 3, I have come to realize that the AF is lacking. Recently I acquired an original 5D (canon) and to be honest, I would probably rate that cameras AF up there with the K3 if not slightly better.
I can’t say that it would make a difference normally, because I would have taken more time with this shot. I’m also wondering if maybe there is some recoverable highlight detail in the raw file. It’s blown out because I had to bring up exposure on the bottom end. I’ve learned a little about masking in LR since I shot this. A different edit all together may produce a more attractive image.
Thanks again for your input.