Is this 1 of those to just appreciate or did I just mess up?

[Nancy Moran G]

Sometimes you see something you think would make a good photo, but just can"t get it right? With my newness, I think this could be a keeper if properly handled?

Walking the beach, this driftwood tree root drew me in. I tried it a couple of times at sunrise, although it never cooperated with me. The sunrise glow should have shown on this side of the tree. Obviously, this was a cloudy day. The 2nd attempt gave me brief specs of sun thru clouds.

If I get back there in November, is this worth trying again? I swear it was on a tripod, but still looks soft. Will work on that and the water spec in left top corner.
I think a higher F stop would have helped, any help appreciated.

1- F 14, ISO 400, 58 mm, center weighted.


2- F 13, 1/125, ISO 400, 35mm.


3-F 10, 1/125, ISO 320, 35mm.


thank you all,
Nancy

[Geoff F]

For me, the first image would work well if it had a better sky. As it is, how about trying just a fraction more contrast or saturation etc. Possibly a tiny bit of Local contrast Enhancement?

Maybe a fraction 'warmer'?

The others have a better sky angle but the crops are too tight for me.

[Nancy Moran G]

Thank you Jeff. will try that.
I took so many photos and by the time the sun showed itself, you're right, I should have backed up again!
Nancy

[Donald]

Now that you know the location and know the subject, close your eyes and see the finished image in your head. What does it look like? What's in the background? What is the sky looking like? How is the light playing on the wood?

Now, go there in November. Give yourself as much time as you can for your 'image' to appear before your eyes. Have your camera set up ready to go at the moment your picture appears before you.

[Brownbear]

I adore the first image... beautifully composed and a beautiful scene. The light is gorgeous in #2 & #3.

[Stagecoach]

Nancy,

No 1 is a very good image and with some very basic PP it can be turned into an even greater picture IMHO.

No 2 & 3 would have worked better if at least one side of the subject was not framed so tight. A truly interesting subject with many possibilities for future ideas.

Grahame

[Nancy Moran G]

Thank you Donald. I will imagine the lighting from #2, and the room of #1 and some more depth or clarity.
Grahame, thank you. It seemed like this was worthy of my effort. I will keep it so when I know more pp, I will dig it out again.
Nancy

[Dave Humphries]

Sometimes you see something you think would make a good photo, but just can"t get it right?

Oh yes, I know this feeling Nancy

Can't really add anything than the advice already suggested though - except you'll know better next time;
a) don't rush it, take your time
b) work around the subject from all angles* (and distances)
c) as you have; work out when better light may hit it and go back to it then - in this case, is sunset an option? - shooting from the other side (perhaps the background will be too busy though)

* For my failed attempt, I even tried using the ten second timer to start exposure then holding the bottom end of the monopod above my head, with camera looking downwards from above - but you may attract odd looks from passers by

Cheers, Dave

[Nancy Moran G]

Dave,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I don't have a monopod, but that is a thought for future if I get one.
Shooting from the other side at sunset, another idea. I believe when I walked around this, it didn't have as much driftwood look. BUT truthfully, I am not sure I went when the sun was setting on it, so that is a definite try this Nov when I go back (hopefully)
Nancy

[IzzieK]

Nancy as Geoff F said...really I agree with all he posted in his comments. I love #1 too, well, apart from the lack of clouds.

[Shadowman]

I think it's worth, try it from the water's edge.

[jamn4ex]

I think your on the right track. I like 2 most but if I was gonna reshoot. I think I would try a bean bag on a plate, to try and get a good low angle safely. Maybe shortly after dawn.

[Nancy Moran G]

James, good thought. A plate is now a camera accessory, who would've thought!
John, waters edge is on the list. There may be some trees in the background from that angle, but am going to look harder at my opportunities here.
Nancy

[FootLoose]

I like the first one, Nancy. I don't think the colour is doing much for it, so why not try it in B&W?

[jamn4ex]

that's an interesting thought Greg.

[Downrigger]

Sometimes you see something you think would make a good photo, but just can"t get it right?

I know this feeling well. It's a spectacular object, but somehow loses its punch in an image.

My thought with this - having been where you are several times, would be to move in close, very wide, and probably with long DOF and shoot about a quarter or eighth of this object in a manner that locates it in context to water and or shore.

I'd fool around with a severe crop on this image and see what you think... but I think you'll get some ideas for the next try.

[FrankMi]

This is one of those scenes Nancy, that will force you to think about a lot of variables that are not, at first, obvious. From that experience you will learn a lot about what works for scenes like this, and what doesn't work so well. In the end you will be a much better photographer for having taken the time and effort to learn.

Donald and others have offered some extremely sound advice for exploring what this scene may have to offer and I can tell you from experience that if you achieve what you are looking for with this subject you will have an outstanding and thought provoking image.

[Wavelength]

This would definitely work in black and white with some enhanced contrast; nice concept