C&C on composition please

[Blueheeler]

There are three main visual elements in this photo. The foreground rock with yellow algae, the middle-ground patch of vegetation and sand, and the background horizon.

I'd like some C&C on how these elements are arranged and if they are set out in a way that is pleasing to the eye.

Happy to receive and consider all comments



Thanks,

Ray

[jiro]

There are three main visual elements in this photo. The foreground rock with yellow algae, the middle-ground patch of vegetation and sand, and the background horizon.

I'd like some C&C on how these elements are arranged and if they are set out in a way that is pleasing to the eye.

Happy to receive and consider all comments



Thanks,

Ray

Looks OK to me, Ray. Which of these 3 are you eyeing to be your main subject then?

[MiniChris]

It has been my experience to say when you have three areas of interest, you also have three areas of conflict. the trick is to balance each zone so there is a seamless transition between each.

I took some liberties (hope you don't mind) and tried to at least make a dent in the transitions. First, I toned down the lichen on the foremost stone, second, I gave more color and definition to the trees in the middle because for me, I feel that' swhere the fore rock is pointing, and where the center of interest should lay. I also left alone the lichen color in the middle, matching their value to that of the trees. I also cloned out the little branch which I found to be overly irritating because my eye wanted to drift over there.

Lastly, I aligned your horizon. It was out about 1 degree CW.

[whited3]

I've tried shoreline rocks and have always been disappointed. It's hard to pick up all the colour with such a wide shot and there's nothing specific to draw the eye (IMHO ). There is though, great contrast to be seen in the different colours.

[Radu Dinu Cordeanu]

Hi,
Very good one indeed!
So on the other planet should be a field with stone flowers or somewhat like that.To obtain that lasso on stones,free transform,liquify,adjust saturation.
(worked for You in 25min with PSE)

[Colin Southern]

Hi Ray,

To be honest ...

... I think it's the type of composition that attempts to follow set "rules", but struggles to rise above "ordinary".

Personally, I'd mount a wider andle lens - step over all the rocks until you're almost at the water - get agressively close to the rocks (low and close) - wait for sunset - and then take the shot (preferably with a filter to slow the exposure).

Here's a couple of examples of shots that aren't fundamentally different to the location you were in ...

[Sahil]

Hi Ray,

Well I had taken somewhat similar shot of a Pangoda (stacked stones). I kept the rock as main subject & other things were to follow.
Here is what I mean...



This was a small Pangoda (6"-7")

[Sahil]

Wow... Those are excellent shots, Colin.
& Here is the other PoV of that Pangoda.



So as Colin has mentioned here, I went real close to the Pangoda & set my lens at 18mm & took the shot.

[ChrisH]

An interesting one Ray - I have mulled over this shot for quite a while. I think the main problem is that there is too much rock and not enough sea and sky - in fact I think perhaps the sea is so small it is almost irrelevant to the scene and should go. Perhaps if you then increased the area of sky so that the scene becomes 2/3rds rocks and 1/3rd sky you might have a better balance. Then I would isolate the rocks from the sky and just lighten them, increase the saturation of the green vegetation and very slightly decrease the saturation of the large lichen then finally sharpen (the rocks only not the sky). Happy to show you what I mean if you would like.

[arith]

I would do it like this:

[arith]

I'm interested to know if this effect could be reproduced using averaging? Say 100 exposures 1 second apart. After all every pixel of moving objects will be 1/100 opacity or less.
It is a lot of pics but not very noisy, not requiring expensive filters and a lot quicker. I haven't access to running water nearby but I did think of trying with a city scene, except I don't like to run out of memory.
But if it works, it might be worth a try.

[Colin Southern]

I'm interested to know if this effect could be reproduced using averaging?

Yes - this shot was 3x 60 second exposures for the bottom, with a "re-developed RAW" for one of the exposures for the top, all shot with a GND.

In theory you can extend an exposure as long as you like by combining multiple shots - and in practice it works pretty well too - I find that it's often better to batch them in lots of about 8 for processing though (and then combine the batches).

It is a lot of pics but not very noisy, not requiring expensive filters and a lot quicker.

No - a LOT slower. If one does this in a single shot it's "done and dusted" right there and then - much quicker than trying to combine a zillion shots.

[arith]

Cheers Colin.

[tihsgod]

Ray, I think it has potential, I like the yellow lichen and I would get a little closer to make this the main subject. I think it should also have some interesting texture in you get closer to it. Yellow and blue are opposing colours so they will enhance each other and just play around with how you want to position the horizon. I would get rid of the mid ground vegetation that is just distracting. The other ideas I have read are fine but I think they go away from what you are trying to achieve with this shot? neil

[Blueheeler]

Thanks Willie,
Your question has made me think that I should have emphasised on one element and not so much reached for the balance between the three.
Ray

[Blueheeler]

Thanks Chris,
I've played with your suggested adjustments myself and can now see how a more balanced result is produced.
Ray

[Blueheeler]

Thanks Mark,
What I'm learning from your feedback and others is that this shot is too "busy". There needs to be that something specific to grab the eye.
Appreciate your comments.
Ray

[Blueheeler]

Thanks Colin,
I love that term "aggressively close"
I take your point about the "rules" overcomplicating the shot.
Ray

[Blueheeler]

Thanks Sahil,
I can see you used the approach suggested by Colin of being low and close. I can see now how I could adapt my technique.
Ray

[Blueheeler]

Chris,
Thanks for the time you took to reply. I've tried the adjustments you suggest and an very pleased and surprised at the change some subtle adjustments can produce. Also take your point about more sky or no sky. Can I ask why you would only sharpen the rocks and not the sky? Is that to avoid noise?
I appreciate your feedback.
Ray