NTP: Challenge VI

[ricktas]

This is going to get you all out and about and using what you have learnt

This challenge involves taking a landscape/seascape photograph, with the following stipulations:

* Must be taken during dawn/dusk - i.e. around sunrise/sunset.
* The composition must take into consideration the Rule of Thirds.
* The photograph must have something in the foreground (ie foreground interest).
* Use the widest lens you have (at the widest setting. i.e.. 18-200 lens, use it at 18mm)
* A tripod will be handy if you have one, if not, use something to stabilise your camera.
* You can set the camera up as you wish (auto/ semi-auto/manual).

As an example, look at the photo below. Taken not long after sunrise. Notice how the wave in the foreground adds 'depth' to the photo. Look at how the horizon is one third down from the top of the photo and the wave line is one third up from the bottom. Also the Rule of Thirds comes into play across the photo, look how the two land masses in the distance intrude about 1/3 of the way in on each side. Notice how the sun is slightly off-centre.



Consider your composition carefully for you shot. When you find your location, scout around, don't just walk to the easiest place from the car. Take your time, a good landscape shot can take preparation. Sometimes you can get ready, then sit around for 15 mins, waiting for the 'right' light. Even write down the guidelines and take them with you. Line up your shot then review the guidelines, and check your composition in the viewfinder before taking your shot.

Have fun, and I am sure the members will take delight in seeing your results.

[Jcas]

Wow!!! Rick this is a good challenge, lovely shot you gave us for an example too ..... now if only I can do that ......

[Cathi]

Oooo in three weeks I will be able to take one of these Great challenge!!

[chelle]

perfect timing! i've been taking a few landscapes as well as sunrise shots recently and since my last request for feedback i have been trying to work with the rule of thirds. This will be a good challenge.

[Jcas]

Here is my effort, not quite the right time, but i tried to get as many of the other prerequisites that i could.
Only had basic fixes applied, eg, cropping etc.

Taken along Sandy Bay Road at about 8.45 am.

[yummymummy]

I'll have to wait a bit.... IT'S RAINING HERE!!! YAY!!!!!! I'll add mine after the rain has stopped

[old dog]

here`s one Rick. I took this near sunset, down at the local bridge at Hinton, on the day I got my 12-24 nikkor. I didn`t crop it because the moon was in the upper portion and I wanted to keep the reflection of the bridge and clouds. The dust bunnies are actually swallows.

[sketty]

OK here's my example:



Not brilliant, but I ruined my last session by leaving the ISO at 1600 = a whole load of noise!
so this one'll have to do for now

[Hamish McHaggis]

Here is my attempt at the challenge, and also my thoughts on the photo:


Composition: the horizon is in the upper third (well, 5th probably) of the frame. It (the horizon) is bendy, though, probably can be fixed in PS. There is foreground interest; however the main rock is in the centre of the frame – could be better composed.
Exposure: the long exposure has allowed the water to become “milky” – I like this, but the upper third of the pic has consequently been overexposed. I applied a grad filter in LR to deal with this but am not too happy with the result.
Colour – let’s not go there! I’m red/green colour blind and therefore have interesting ideas about colour, usually reflected (badly) in my choice of fashion, LOL. I think while I’m learning about photography I’m going to try to think in terms of shapes, lines and contrast and probably in B&W as well.
Focus: I want this pic to be sharper, to reveal the details in the rocks that I saw when I took it – any tips??
thanks,
Colin

[ricktas]

Great use of the rule of thirds there Sketty and Colin. I like how your horse's face runs straight down a rule of thirds line there Sketty.

Colin, very nice long exposure sea-scape. To fix the bendy horizon in photoshop. Filters> Distort>Lens Correction, there are perspective adjustment tools in there, use the sliders till you get the horizon level, click OK and then crop the result.

Great work, to both of you!

[Hamish McHaggis]

thanks Rick, I'll have a try in photoshop to fix the horizon,
Colin

[Calelli]

Here's one that I took in December at Shelly Beach near Port Macquarie. By good luck rather than good judgement it has most of the properties. The one thing that was missing is the rule of thirds. I've gone and cropped the photo so that the horizon is sitting on the 1/3 line and the sun rise is 1/3 in from the left. In this instance I'm not sure if I prefer the original or the 1/3 pic. By cropping you lose a line of clouds which I like. Here are both.

The original

sunrise original small.jpg

With Rule of Thirds

sunrise 3rd small.jpg


Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/13.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
Focal Length: 55.0 mm
ISO Speed: 100

[maccaroneski]

Taken this afternoon from Long Reef overlooking Collaroy.

18mm, F13, 1/15, ISO 100