Sunset over Salem Sound (from Gloucester Harbor Entrance)

[bikehikeskifish]

I snapped a whole bunch of shots while coming in from fishing today. Not being at the helm, I took what I could. After reviewing, I like this one the best.



What is the popular wisdom on sunsets? I think it would be nicer with something more in the foreground. The ocean is a bit dull.

An alternative is to crop the ocean out as the sky is more interesting:



I wanted some land in it for contrast. Thanks for any feedback. I realize most shots here are of mountains or lakes -- no mountains in or around Gloucester, and the light house cuts off the view of the sunset...

Tim

 

[NewHampshire]

Good crop. In photos of this nature you want to clearly define your intended subject and draw attention to it. Adding a hint of water gives a sense of balance and proportion but does not detract from the lovely sunset.

Brian

 

[psmart]

I really like the subtle swells in the foreground of the original shot. For me, it has a sense of movement and involvement, like being on the boat, and the sunset makes a wonderfull background.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Nice crop Pete. I really like that! Never would thought to go vertical from that shot. The sunrise was beautiful to look at but not a cloud in the sky so I think it would have been boring. Now if you head out in the evening, you can put the boat's wake in the foreground of the photo for a different, albeit not-quite-so-nature-y, look.

Tim

 

[JohnL]

OR...the photo could be cropped this way. The hot sky is cropped away leaving your eyes to see the gold in the water better, enhancing the outline of the gentle swells.

Photo

JohnL

 

[w7xman]

Wanted to weigh in on the last two crops. First off, I wouldn't want to lose the water from the origional, it has too much light and interest, more so than the top of the sky. I think that the vertical is very effective. But you say the horizon is right in the middle of the frame...yes...and rules are meant to be broken. When you can't lose any from the top or the bottom, you split the composition!!!

The crop by John L to semi Pano though gets my vote. The colors of the water are indicative of a more powerful sky, perhaps even more powerful than that which you actually captured at the top of the frame. Great detail in the water, and enough sky to give you a sense of place.

Knowing that this kind of shot works, I next time would try a lower angle, with more foreground water, and try a limited sky shot full frame.

Nice work in the thread and behind the lens to alll!

~Jim