How could this be better?

[flaclick]

Hi
Typical sunset, somewhere near the Bahamas. But I feel it could be better, either from the exposure side or the processing side. Also, am I seeing lens flare in the middle? This image was taken in Program mode, SS 1/320, f/10, ISO 200. No EC. No filters. Need feedback.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e393/Butterville/IMG_2681BP.jpg

[makphoto]

tighten it up with a good crop - to start out with

[flaclick]

This has already been cropped to an 8x10.

[hTr]

I'm not really good at this, but here is a version see what you think.

[flaclick]

Now I see what you mean. That does look nice. But is the 'glare' in the middle from the sun - "acceptable" or is that a result of the reflection in the lens?

[hTr]

Now I see what you mean. That does look nice. But is the 'glare' in the middle from the sun - "acceptable" or is that a result of the reflection in the lens?

It is from Shooting into the sun without filter. The Polarizer filter was made for this kind of shot and is always good for sun and water.

[flaclick]

I had a polarizer filter for this lens and I took it off as I assumed it would make it too dark????

[Phil Light]

I had a polarizer filter for this lens and I took it off as I assumed it would make it too dark????

I see you shot it at 1/320. You would have lots of room to slow the shutter speed down to compensate for the polarizer.

[hTr]

I had a polarizer filter for this lens and I took it off as I assumed it would make it too dark????

It should improve color and reduce glare, It is sunglasses for your camera.

[flaclick]

Jeff - give me a little more detail about what your talking about...slowing shutter speed down while on the direct sun?

[Phil Light]

If you "darken" your exposure by, say, 2 stops with a polarizer, you can compensate for that loss of light by slowing down the shutter speed by two stops (full stops, not 1/3 stops) to allow light to hit the sensor for a longer period of time, thus giving you the exact same exposure, but with the filter on the lens.

[Phil Light]

One more thing, if this seems like a little bit of voodoo (I agree, it can get very confusing) then one of the best sources of information is a book called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It is easy (and fairly quick) to read, easy to understand, and it has lots of pictures with full explanations of how they were done. I consider it a must read.

[flaclick]

Thanks, I see what you mean.

[flaclick]

I do have his book and I have read it many times over. Ok, maybe I need to read it ONE more time! I hope he has a 'sunset' chapter. thanks for helping me out.

[flaclick]

PS - I hope your a Colts fan. I was totally thrilled they won! We in Tampa love Dungy - great guy.

[Phil Light]

I would recommend re-reading the chapter he calls "Defining Exposure". He explains why there can be many different combinations of "correct" exposure.

BTW - I forgot to say, very nice shot! It makes me feel a tiny bit warmer sitting here with 15 inches of snow & 10 degrees outside. :)

[flaclick]

Thanks. I will read it again - tomorrow- near the pool. I think it's suppose to warm up to 65! BRRR.

[Phil Light]

I hate you. ;)

[flaclick]

BAAAAA. Hey, it can get rough here too, why today it dipped down to 50. I am suffering like you!

[Phil Light]

PS - I hope your a Colts fan. I was totally thrilled they won! We in Tampa love Dungy - great guy.

I missed this post a few minutes ago. You are absolutely right, Tony Dungy defines class! He is one incredible human being. I hope he continues coaching (the Colts) for a long time.

I took some shots at the "homecoming" after they won. Check out the smile on his face in some of these: http://www.flexwareinnovation.com/colts.htm I've never seen so many people so happy that they were about to pop!

[flaclick]

Thanks for sharing those -great shots. It's great to see him so happy. What a most deserving team - the Colts. Sooo many people in Tampa were cheering for him and the Colts (I think he still owns a house here).

Thanks for the tips on sunsets. I'll try again with my polarizer and see what the differences are.

[Phil Light]

BAAAAA. Hey, it can get rough here too, why today it dipped down to 50. I am suffering like you!

Wait a minute! Forget everything I said about how to improve that shot. I was wrong, it can't be done. You shouldn't even try. :p

[Phil Light]

Thanks for sharing those -great shots. It's great to see him so happy. What a most deserving team - the Colts. Sooo many people in Tampa were cheering for him and the Colts (I think he still owns a house here).

Thanks for the tips on sunsets. I'll try again with my polarizer and see what the differences are.

Ok, I'll play nice. I hope you post your shots here when you get them.

I think the people of Tampa showed a lot of class by continuing to support him after the Bucks (Bucs?) let him go. I thought that was very cool.