one more from the local lake for c&c

[Carla_]

How's this one? The foreground was underexposed so I messed with it using single image processing in photomatix.

 

[tevo]

Decent picture, boring composition.

 

[Carla_]

Okay. How can it be better?

I come here all the time (as you see from my previous posts). I think of this place as training grounds so I can learn what to look for when I take photos on vacations.

 

[tirediron]

As Tevo stated rather bluntly, the subject matter is not the most interesting to most people, so: Tell us what it was about the scene that attracted you. What I see as the major issue is that there is no distinct subject, that is, when I look at the image, there's no one thing that grabs eye. When shooting scenes like this, try and choose compositions which have a clearly definable subject.

 

[KmH]

Are you familiar with the visual image composition guideline, the rule-of-thirds (ROT) and the 'power points' where the lines interesect?

Photography Composition - Create Better Pictures
Advanced Composition -- Part I

Your composition has nothing of interest at any of the power points, there are no leading lines, or other compositional techniques to make your photo more compelling:

 

[Carla_]

Thanks.

Tired, I was attracted by how green everything is there along with the peaceful water and the fact that the lake is man-made with lake-houses right off the water. I guess my efforts in framing didn't convey that feeling.

Thanks Keith, I am familiar with the rule of thirds. I like your edit putting that tree on the 3rd line and taking away the framing. Next time I'll look for a better composition. Thanks for the links. They are very helpful.

 

[Ballistics]

Crop out the tree on the far left and you have a balanced composition