Norfolk Navy Shipyard

[AmberC]

I haven't done any night photography yet so this was my first attempt. I had to be quick because my daughter woke up in the car. We were out driving around because she was sick and I thought she might get some rest if we drove around.

Here's two. I want to go back another time, but I have to be real careful not to get my camera confiscated hehe.





Thanks!
Amber

[OmahaAdam]

I definitely like the second more than the first. The first one seems to be a bit fuzzy and with such a powerful horizontal element - the ship - having a vertical crop of just half the ship and the apparent focal point being the dock light and its reflection dead center isn't as strong of a composition. Nice perspective on the second shot. The water reflection from the large dock lights is washed out, but the tradeoff for the dock interior and hint of sunset is worth it, IMO. Might try a crop to the end of the dock and top of the crane. Not a bad first attempt at all!

[AmberC]

Thanks! Yes my focus was off on that first one. I'm nearsighted and was wearing my glasses (as I usually am, my contacts bother me so I dont wear them often) and had a lot of light glaring on my glasses I have a real hard time focusing when its darker.

The first one I just loved the way the light was striking across the water towards me. Your right though on the two ships there, that was bothering me too. I'll give the crop a try on the second one.

Amber

[MB1]

The water in the first one is good but the rest is out of focus/soft and too cluttered.

I like the second one much better and don't really feel like a crop will do anything for the image since the sky is a big part of the success of the shot.

BTW don't get shot shooting ships.

[Frog]

Totally agree the second one is the better.
Don't think a crop would help or hinder.

[gahspidy]

Hey Amber. I like the second one alot better as well. I think Omaha Adams stated it well about the problems with the first.
The framing and comp of the 2nd is really well. One thing though, it looks like your white balance was off as there is a strong yellow cast most likely from the lights. Did you shoot RAW and if so you may be able to adjust the white balance in your RAW editing software.
Basically you want to cool down the light teperature at it is very warm
Well done

[GB1]

The second is better due to its superior composition, but the strong lights somewhat drown out the sky colors. Too bad the lights weren't more subdued, and perhaps the crane was better lit.

Not sure what the policy is on taking pictures of military vehicles these days. I bet if you ask though, they will tell you no. I still do photography at my Navy tech base, they didn't ban it after 9-11, but operating bases may have different rules.

G