Re-try from scratch - C&C please sunset by the bay

[levinest]

Here's the photos on Flickr:

#1: D7K_2358 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

#2: D7K_2369 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

#3: D7K_2393 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

#4: D7K_2396 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

These were taken yesterday, with a Nikon D7000. The first I used my 70-200 2.8, the rest my 10-24 3.5-5.6.

 

[tirediron]

They're a nice enough set, but lack a significant punch. Consider purchasing some graduated neutral density (G-ND) filters to help reduce the dynamic range between sky and "ground" as well as including the actual sun in the images.

 

[levinest]

Thanks for the response. I was considering getting a polarizing filter. What benefit is there to an ND filter (other than bringing things down a few stops) compared to a polarizing one which I was thinking would enhance the deepness of the colors?

 

[tirediron]

Because you were shooting toward the sun, a polarizing filter would have virtually no effect here (Their greatest effect is when used at approximately 90 to the direction of the sun). Graduated ND filters have a dark neutral density portion at the top of the filter and gradually transition to no neutral density at the bottom. This allows you to enhance the colours of the darkened portion by reducing the highlights. They're most commonly used in the gel-style such as Cokin and Lee.

 

[KmH]

A polarizing filters effect is dependent on where the Sun is, may give an uneven effect because of the Sun's location, and unlike a graduated ND filter affects the entire scene.

Sunrises and sunsets often have more dynamic range than a DSLR's image sensor can record in a single exposure. Making multi exposures to later be merged post process is not always practical because of motion in the scene.

It's not uncommon for landscape photographers to use both a CPL and a GND.

 

[joealcantar]

Thanks for the response. I was considering getting a polarizing filter. What benefit is there to an ND filter (other than bringing things down a few stops) compared to a polarizing one which I was thinking would enhance the deepness of the colors?

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The graduated ND would let you basically split the horizon and use it to bring out more detail in the landscape. If you use it in conjunction with a normal ND filter it is basically slowing down the shutter to take in more light and allow more detail in the shots and at the same time blocking out light (sun) so it balances out the image.
Singh-Ray Filters: Galen Rowell Graduated Neutral Density Filters
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Shoot well, Joe
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[levinest]

I looked on the Singh-Ray site. Those filters look interesting. Trying to figure out whether it would be better to go with some type of filter holder or not. My instinct says anything I have to hold in place and/or possibly shake the camera while it's taking a shot is not the way to go so it would be better to locate a proper holder for the filter(s). @tirediron - Understood about the 90 degree angle. Will keep that in mind if I get a polarizing filter as well.

 

[tirediron]

The filter holder is nice, but only necessary when doing longer exposures. I routinely hand-hold gel filters and line up a G-ND by looking through the viewfinder and then shoot.

 

[johnh2005]

The filter holder is nice, but only necessary when doing longer exposures. I routinely hand-hold gel filters and line up a G-ND by looking through the viewfinder and then shoot.

Heh, I hate to say it, but soooo many of my pcis turn out blurry even with a faster shutter speed and IS. I think I click the shutter release WAY too hard or something. I need a lot of practice with shaking and moving around. If I had to hold a filter by hand, line it up, and take a shot I would probably get more finger in the shot than anything. I guess if I ever REALLY get some time to practice I can get better at it.

 

[hopdaddy]

Am I seeing a dirty sensor, on a new camera? (611 shutter trips )..I cleaned my glasses, then re-cleaned my screen. and there is still a smudge on the left, upper, part of the photos. I hope this doesn't come off as rude, It just really distracted me from the beautiful Seascape

 

[levinest]

Huh, apparently you might be correct. No, it's not rude at all. Thank you for pointing it out. I'd hate to have that stick around for a long time and ruin many photos. I only see it on the first two photos of the four I posted, however. The first one that I took with the 70-200 and the second one with the 10-24 so it's not either of the lenses. I just checked all of the photos from the set and apparently based on the timestamps the dust on the sensor was on the earlier photos. The later ones don't show it so either the automatic vibration cleaning did its job or the dust just fell off on its own during a lens change. BTW, that's interesting - how were you able to tell how many shutter trips I've taken by looking at a the JPG photo data? I couldn't find it in the file properties when I just checked. Oh, and thanks for the compliment on the photos. Trying to read up as much as I can to get up to speed. I've taken pictures for a long time, want to take photographs.

 

[hopdaddy]

Huh, - how were you able to tell how many shutter trips I've taken by looking at a the JPG photo data? I couldn't find it in the file properties when I just checked. Oh, and thanks for the compliment on the photos. Trying to read up as much as I can to get up to speed. I've taken pictures for a long time, want to take photographs.

There are several ways to view the EXIF ,"the jpg photo data". You can download programs that can work similar to spell-check(right click to access) type stuff. but my way for your photo ,was to look at it in your flickr. Under the actions tab drop down menu .


As to your last statement,"want to take photographs" I fully understand. I too have "Snapped Pictures" for a long time,started at 11 yrs old, now 50. My use of photography was simply to document (Prove) what i saw and found. Three years ago I got that same Bug, And found this site shortly after. There have been many changes here , but one thing remains. Knowledge To ALL who will receive it.