Can anyone suggest how to make a good image from this

[davidedric]

Hi,

I took this picture some years ago in Zanzibar. I feel that there must be a good image lurking in there somewhere, but I've tried lots of different approaches and can never get something which really pleases me. I don't have any clear objectives (which may be a part of the problem), just to produce a visually appealing image.

This as near to the ooc as I can find (it may have had some changes made a while ago before I got Lightroom). Can anyone offer suggestions - or even better have a go and show me. Thanks for any help,

Dave

[Digital]

My first impression was to crop some of the sky out; however I can see why you did not. You may want to experiment with cropping, and see how it looks to you. This is a situation where you may have to compromise.
You did not allow much wiggle room in this photo.
As it stands now it is not a bad photo.

Bruce


Bruce

[chauncey]

Would depend on your PP skills...I would try making the boat somewhat smaller and move it closer
to the horizon>make the image wider on the left side>reduce the height of the sky about 20%,
not by cropping, but try taking some sky out below the sun and above the horizon and blending together.
Would try for a square or 4x5 crop and a horizontal flip at the end.

It's really got some great potential with those superior colors and exposure.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful image David... as is

[davidedric]

Thanks for your suggestions, on and off-line. I've had a go at reworking, and yes I think the sun has to go. I can't do the fancy stuff that chauncey suggests in Lightroom. If you have the time, do you think it's improved at all?

Thanks,

Dave

[splashy]

I selected the top part with 'fuss' of 100 pixels, then slided the top down and cropped the bottom till the sun.

[Brownbear]

Hi David,

I think your edit is an improvement (the water looks gorgeous and the shadows on the boat are very nice) but I prefer Splashy's version because the corners are not as dark.

[kdoc856]

Definite improvement, Dave.

I often like a touch of vignette, but don't think it adds here as the central object is already dark and it actually competes, particularly I the right upper corner. It's a really nice shot.