Twilight at the Ocean

[GB1]

It occurred to me about two weeks ago that I was critiquing a lot but hardly ever posting anything. Working on changing that...

I forget who right now but someone here suggested placing a flower in the foreground for sunsets. The weather wasn't too great this evening, but it was a bit moody. What do you think?

At sunset cliffs at Ocean Beach (San Diego).

Gb

[AgingEyes]

First things I noticed are those blown-out holes in the sky. I'm not sure they're help the photos.

Half of the flower in the first photo I think need to be brightened up.

The third photo...I'm not sure about the cropped second flower.

Overall, I'd pick the second one because the flower looks more properly exposed than that in the other photos. Those waves in the background is also a plus to me. And the horizon...hmmmm....

BTW, the flower you picked wasn't really a perfect looking one. Part of the plan?

[Irina.Novosyolova]

Well, In my opinion the first picture is the best. But I'm not sure that the white spot on the top of the picture is good. And maybe it is gonna be better to make the foreground more contrasting.

[jkriminger]

don't you want the background in focus too? looks too shallow aperture wise

[Addies Granddaddy]

Other than what everyone has told you already, the composition is good, and it's a solid idea.
John

[Yoyo Szeto]

I have the feeling that the 2 flowers are little creatures waiting for help. In Shots 1 and 2, they are one creature. But in Shots 3 and 4, they are two creatures. I guess the juxaposition make me imagine.
yoyo

[GB1]

Thanks for all the comments.

AE, I actually had to use a fill flash on some of them and believe # 1 has that. Looks like the fill only 'filled' part of the flower .. But it does create a more dynamic scene maybe (?) I can crop off the bright sky areas. And YES, I thought using a partly dieing flower was more symbolic and interesting, though I wonder if a Rose would have worked better ... maybe. Thks for the input.

Irina - Hmm.. Ok, see the attached edit. More contrast etc.

Rod - That was really by intent. I figured it would be more moody and artistic (and emphasize the flower better).

Thanks John - It wasn't even my idea. Someone here on PR forums suggested it and I also think it works, though the technical execution could be better wrt lighting, placement of the flower, etc. And a better sunset too

Yoyo - Yeah they do seem vulnerable, esp the little fellow there. I didn't even realize they were blending into one on some of the shots. The photo is really about symbolism and mood. I am not even going to try to guess what it all means though, I just take the shot (lol). I have a bunch more angles and such, maybe I will post one or two more later.


G

[GB1]

One more variation............