bench on the beach

[skyline315]

ok. this was my first time using a manual camera (a new nikon n80). this is my tribute to forrest gump. it's my wife sitting on an isolated bench during our honeymoon.

what could have been done to improve this? the sand is a bit overexposed. what about composition?

[GoDive30]

Other than being a tad over exposed, I love the picture. I think I would have centered the bench and your wife in the frame instead of the horizon. Also, maybe not cut off the end of the bench.

[skyline315]

yeah, i have no idea why i cut off the bench. first time out, though. guess that's what happens.

[Elysian]

Yes, I would like to have seen more bench, but not in the center, I just like it the way it is. I would have added more yellow in and move some blue out though.
The example is just a quick one to show you what I had in mind, just to get some idea.

Well done.

[GoDive30]

I didn't convey myself correctly, I didn't mean to center it left to right I was talking top to bottom, as it is the horizon is dead center of the pic, I think it would be stronger it it were more ocean less sky.

[Elysian]

I think it would be stronger it it were more ocean less sky.

I agree, but more sky is also an option.

[GoDive30]

But, I think the ocean with the surf is more interesting, it is subjective. As is all photography.

[GoDive30]

also the footsteps on the beach are neat, it would be neat maybe from a higher angle. Just another idea.

[Chunk]

I didn't convey myself correctly, I didn't mean to center it left to right I was talking top to bottom, as it is the horizon is dead center of the pic, I think it would be stronger it it were more ocean less sky.

How are you going to get more ocean? Change the focal length?

I like the contemplative feel of this shot.

[Elysian]

"How are you going to get more ocean?"

He already gave a hint, Go Dive!

[skyline315]

"How are you going to get more ocean?"

He already gave a hint, Go Dive!

wow, that was bad. but hey...made me laugh!

[Chunk]

ok. this was my first time using a manual camera (a new nikon n80). this is my tribute to forrest gump. it's my wife sitting on an isolated bench during our honeymoon.

what could have been done to improve this? the sand is a bit overexposed. what about composition?

One thing that I think is quite nice in this shot is the the repeating pattern of the the drape of her hair, the hood, the folds of the jacket across her back and the curve of her legs. All those smooth curves on the hard straight slabs of the bench.