Seaside landscapes for critique

[scooter2044]

So I attempted a few more landscapes while on vacation last month. I couldn't decide between these two which I should post so I put them both here. They are from the same time, just some minor differences. I would appreciate it if anyone could let me know what I did right or wrong, and any advice on editing. Nothing fancy with the camera, just working on compositions and colors. I did a small bit of editing in raw and then adjusted the levels in Photoshop elements. Depending on how far my computer screen is tilted (or I am slouching when editing) it's hard to tell if the lighting is ok. Let me know how it looks for you. Thanks.

1

waves3 by Sheila Swindell, on Flickr

2

waves2copy by Sheila Swindell, on Flickr

 

[crzyfotopeeple]

I like the first one. Maybe crop down a little more at top. and move the bird left a little possibly.

 

[scooter2044]

I like the first one. Maybe crop down a little more at top. and move the bird left a little possibly.

Thank you. I was trying to keep the horizon line from being too centered, but I think you're right. I'll try cropping until I find one that works. Moving the bird will have to wait until my skills in that area get a little more advanced. I like the idea though. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

 

[scooter2044]

One more for the set, although it was edited a little bit before these so I hope they aren't too different.


waves by Sheila Swindell, on Flickr

 

[waday]

I like #2 and 3 best, but I'd clone the people out of #2.

catch a Tern

Look like a laughing gull to me?

Some people call them pests, I love them. Especially their laugh:

 

[JamesScott86]

Excellent captures - well taken

 

[ceejtank]

Let me start off by saying - they're good shots. What I'm noticing though, is a lack of a focal point/subject. If the bird is the subject, then focus in on it more, if the waves/sky are the subject - rule of thirds those. As they stand now, they're nice shots, but they lack a subject matter, except #3. That one looks to be the waves as the subject matter.

They're all technically good shots, but they just don't have a wow factor, unless it's the bird, but if that's the case.. crop it accordingly and keep on shooting.

 

[waday]

Tern, Gull, Eagle, Sparrow, a freakin' bird.........you get the point.

Now I'm getting gigged for not being an Ornithologist.

This is TPF, we complain about everything.

 

[scooter2044]

I like these. I don't think they're too dark at all, makes them kind of moody. Neat how you were able to catch a Tern in each one.

Thanks, I kinda liked the moodiness to them too. Got lucky with the birds, lol.

 

[scooter2044]

I like #2 and 3 best, but I'd clone the people out of #2.

catch a Tern

Look like a laughing gull to me?

Some people call them pests, I love them. Especially their laugh:

Thank you. I will work on getting the people out this weekend.

 

[scooter2044]

Excellent captures - well taken

Thank you!

 

[scooter2044]

Let me start off by saying - they're good shots. What I'm noticing though, is a lack of a focal point/subject. If the bird is the subject, then focus in on it more, if the waves/sky are the subject - rule of thirds those. As they stand now, they're nice shots, but they lack a subject matter, except #3. That one looks to be the waves as the subject matter.

They're all technically good shots, but they just don't have a wow factor, unless it's the bird, but if that's the case.. crop it accordingly and keep on shooting.

Thank you. The landscape itself was the subject. The birds just happened to come along and I liked them so left them in. I will have to try different crops this weekend to see what looks good.

 

[Designer]

.. it's hard to tell if the lighting is ok. Let me know how it looks for you.

Times like this you could wish for some sun.

They all look a bit dark to me, and it's not you, it's the sun, or clouds blocking the sun.

#2 is the stronger composition, IMO. Better line, better balance.

 

[knswee]

They are all very nice...

ken

 

[scooter2044]

.. it's hard to tell if the lighting is ok. Let me know how it looks for you.

Times like this you could wish for some sun.

They all look a bit dark to me, and it's not you, it's the sun, or clouds blocking the sun.

#2 is the stronger composition, IMO. Better line, better balance.

I did bring up the exposure a little but ended up losing detail in the waves so I left them at the original settings. I kinda like the mood the clouds created. I seem to always get hazy pictures when there is too much sun so I was glad there were some clouds to balance things out. Maybe one of these days I'll get lucky and get a perfect day to shoot. Thank you for your comments.