First submission

[JDB1911]

As the title implies, this is my first submission. I wasn't excited about the cloudy sky waiting for the sun to rise, but I think it made for a great effect.

 

[SquarePeg]

Nice. It seems there are always clouds that start to break up as soon as the sun comes up. They really do make the shot!

 

[Jim Walczak]

Hhmmm...I don't really think this shot is "bad", however I think if you had of framed it a bit different, it would have been considerably better. The clouds do have some visual interest, however IMO, I don't think it's enough to really warrant the domination of 2/3's of the image. If the sky had more color or a bit more drama...maybe...but as is, I just don't think they're strong enough to really carry the image. Your use of thirds with the horizon is good, but you need a better "subject" or singular focal point for the viewer's attention. Without actually seeing the scene there, I think I would have opted for one of two things...I either would have had a lot more beach and waves in the shot (and put the horizon & sun in the upper third) or I might have used a long zoom to get more of the sun in the shot and made that the dominant subject.

Just my own opinions...please use them as such.

 

[JDB1911]

I did take about fifty shots with different compositions. Some with less zoom, some with more. There were a lot of people off to my right, I was trying not to include them in this shot. I do appreciate the input from you both.