Lake Michigan at Sunset

A few shots from the campground at Leelanau State Park, MI.

I think I may need to soften the first two a bit. They're a bit grainy and I think the unsharp mask emphasized that a bit much. I was struggling to find a balance where the foreground was not completely underexposed or the sky was not completely burned
out. I've mainly stuck to silhouettes at sunset, so this was a new type of shot for me.

I like the third one the best, very simple but quite striking, although the others are quite good.
It's very difficult to get exactly the right exposure for these kind of subjects.

The second shot is very nicely composed and the sky is beautiful, the sillouhettes of the figures in the distance look larger than the first image would suggest that they should be but that isn't necessarily a criticism of the photograph, just a surprise!

The last image is also very effective but the two birds on either side of the figures are just a little too symmetrical for my liking, the second shot wins my vote.

Herriot

Of the first two, the second shot is strongest because of the rock used as a very dominant fg element, the sky full of detail and richer color, and the silhouettes of the persons walking much more obvious. Also, the horizon is above center as opposed to centered in the 1st and so the overall comp feels better.

The last two shots really do not have any strong points or aspects to them that can make them work as they are , imo.

The 3rd shot here is the strongest. Very striking. Well exposed for the sun, great detail in the interesting subject silhouette. It might help to crop off that vertical object on the right, but it really does not bother me.
Great shot

Congrats on the feature. I agree with Gary on his comments. I really like #2. The couple in the distance adds to the shot. I hope you had a good vacation.
Greg

Congratulations on the sticky!

Cara - They're all nice in their own sort of way. I do like the one that made the sticky the best, seems to have the best overall shape and background. I'm not sure how I could recommend any improvements, as when you're there you take what you are given. The sunset was nice and I think you captured it well. The bottom shot doesn't have that color advantage, but the way the birds frame the shot is sorta neat.

G