Torrey Pines

[GB1]

Picture of Torrey Pines cliffs with some clouds in the sky, something that isn't common here. Not sure this shot has anything .... scenic and pretty yes, but there might not be enough to grab you. Comments?

[gahspidy]

It's a pretty image. Two things. A poalrizer would have helped bring out the clouds and blue sky, and a slightly lower shooting angle would bring the tree on the cliff up over the horizon to enhance the depth of the shot.
Still, very nice

[Tel]

Wow, I literally never say this, so drink up the moment while you can....

It needs more sky.

I'm usually and Anti Sky guy, but I think a nice dramatic sky would improve it drastically.

[LeeIs]

I agree with all that's been said. I'll add taht the closer grass is so full of pattern that it is a pretty strong element in this. I think a closer perspective on those brown rocks at the distance against the blue water and the sky would've simplified this and added a stronger subject.

[GB1]

Thanks. Gary, I actually did use a polarizer, but perhaps it wasn't optimally rotated. I also used a graduated ND filter. Tel, here's the original shot before cropping - for some reason I see this as a good pano shot but a little cliche otherwise, probably because I live here and have shot it multiple times. Leels, I agree, the grass is part of the shot here. I think it's the pattern. But getting into closer to the rocks means you eliminate some of the grass, unless you go vertical that is (which I think would cause this peaceful scene to feel unstable). What can you do..

G

[Greg McCary]

I like the second edit better. It would make for a great enlargement. Good shot GB.
Greg

[MB1]

I too prefer your second image with all the extra sky.

What both images are lacking is something in the foreground to bring everything into perspective (I'm thinking a kid flying a colorful kite would be good). So what you have here is a nicely exposed and composed image that is missing the final element to make it a fine image.

[GB1]

Greg, MB - Agree about the foreground subject, esp on the larger image. Perhaps that's why I like the cropped one - it doesn't feel as empty as the full sized one. Note that this place is very restrictive about where you can and can't walk -- they really don't even want you walking off the main trails. There's some side trails that look "hiker created" , but then they add signs everywhere saying "This trail closed for area restoration" and such, meaning DON'T do that!

Anyway - NExt time, I bring a kid with a big kite with me and have him fly it from the main trail there .....

G

[Canuck935]

Hmm I'm not sure if that is the tree or not, but I know on one of those bluffs is a tree and one of the trails leads to the bluff just south of it. From there you can get a good shot of the tree against the sky, and then the bluff and ocean.

[GB1]

Canuck - I think I know the tree you're referring to: I will take a look at my images and see.. but I also shot film and don't know if it's on those shots instead. Thanks for commenting. I agree, it is just so plain as is - bothers me a little. I have to learn to bring my own foregrounds - kites, models, etc.

G