Cityscape Sunset in Bonn

vsl3-e · 02-28-2010, 10:15 AM

I really like taking pics of cityscapes against the sun, creating those black outlines of buildings. Would appreciate some feedback to the following pic. thank you
Martin

16N64 · 02-28-2010, 10:35 AM

Looks like home.

Damn Brit · 02-28-2010, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by 16N64

Looks like home.

Great critique there, I'm sure we all learned a lot from that.

I too like the silhouetted cityscapes. The problem I have with this one is the dark area is too wide and the strip of water isn't wide enough to balance it out. If you had pointed the camera down a little so you lost that grey strip at the top of the frame and replaced it with more water, it would be better balanced and you would also have a bigger area of the suns reflection to add interest. Usually all you need is the rooftops making the silhouette because that is where the interest is.
The sun is blown out pretty badly and that diagonal going through the steeple on the left is a bit of a shame.

The fortunate thing is, cities don't have a habit of moving so it will still be there to capture again.

vsl3-e · 03-06-2010, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by Damn Brit

The fortunate thing is, cities don't have a habit of moving so it will still be there to capture again.

Thank you for taking your time to help me with the pic. Hopefully i'll be in Bonn soon again to retake the pic.

**Ash** · 03-06-2010, 12:18 PM

I'd agree with Gary's critique and add that the image portrays neither a silhouette nor well-exposed subject matter, and so leaves the viewer wondering what to focus on in the frame.

The cityscape offers little in the way of interesting form, which makes a silhouette not the most artistic option for the shot, but also the sun is far too overpowering that little else could have been done about the capture.

It would be a better option to allow the sun to go down and watch the colours in the sky come through, balancing out the light between foreground and sky - so bring your tripod next time.

02-28-2010, 10:15 AM	#1
vsl3-e Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bratislava, Slovakia Photos: Albums Posts: 116	Sunset in Bonn Lens: 80mm Camera: Pentax K-m Photo Location: Bonn, Germany ISO: 100 Shutter Speed: 1/1500s I really like taking pics of cityscapes against the sun, creating those black outlines of buildings. Would appreciate some feedback to the following pic. thank you Martin

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02-28-2010, 10:35 AM	#2
16N64 Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Former capitol of Germany Posts: 63	Looks like home.

02-28-2010, 01:22 PM	#3
Damn Brit Guest	Originally posted by 16N64 Looks like home. Great critique there, I'm sure we all learned a lot from that. I too like the silhouetted cityscapes. The problem I have with this one is the dark area is too wide and the strip of water isn't wide enough to balance it out. If you had pointed the camera down a little so you lost that grey strip at the top of the frame and replaced it with more water, it would be better balanced and you would also have a bigger area of the suns reflection to add interest. Usually all you need is the rooftops making the silhouette because that is where the interest is. The sun is blown out pretty badly and that diagonal going through the steeple on the left is a bit of a shame. The fortunate thing is, cities don't have a habit of moving so it will still be there to capture again.

03-06-2010, 12:13 PM	#4
vsl3-e Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bratislava, Slovakia Photos: Albums Posts: 116 Original Poster	Originally posted by Damn Brit The fortunate thing is, cities don't have a habit of moving so it will still be there to capture again. Thank you for taking your time to help me with the pic. Hopefully i'll be in Bonn soon again to retake the pic.

03-06-2010, 12:18 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	I'd agree with Gary's critique and add that the image portrays neither a silhouette nor well-exposed subject matter, and so leaves the viewer wondering what to focus on in the frame. The cityscape offers little in the way of interesting form, which makes a silhouette not the most artistic option for the shot, but also the sun is far too overpowering that little else could have been done about the capture. It would be a better option to allow the sun to go down and watch the colours in the sky come through, balancing out the light between foreground and sky - so bring your tripod next time.