Misty Lake - Critique Please

[TSORoanoke]

On my way to work, the fog was lifting off of the lake, the sun reflecting, it really caught my eye. What would make this shot technically better?

I did crop it significantly, adjusted levels, and as you can see added a frame.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/TSORoanoke/Canon%20Photography%20Forum/IMG_6466Frame.jpg

D60, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, at 70mm, IS on, f/2.8, no flash, Autofocus (on water), JPG Fine

[whowie]

This is a nice image and has great potential. For me, though, its a bit square. Maybe something a bit more rectangular with the long dimension along the horizontal. Just my opinion.

[JCK]

You definitely chose a nice place to press that shutter! However, the shot is a bit too crowded, water line is not at a level, seems to be a bit overexposed, but that's just me!

[TSORoanoke]

Thank you for your suggestions.

Based on feedback, leveled the water line, chose a different crop, and didn't adjust anything in PS other than the image size (no levels, etc). What do you think?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/TSORoanoke/Canon%20Photography%20Forum/IMG_6466Adjusted1.jpg

[JCK]

OK, I think we did a good job at confusing you with our comments. Remember that not all people here are Pros-(I'm not) and we all see a shot different ways. However, your initial shot had good intentions, you had the steam over the water, some sky reflection as well, yellow flowers in the lower part, and a tree in the foreground. You have plenty of elements to follow the rule of thirds; giving priority to your main subject, the water and steam. The tree at the right should only accent the frame, and not cover half of it, that is why I said it was crowded. You have the right idea, and I'm sure you can come up with a very good composition. My advice would be to look at a photography book with a similar shot, and you try to obtain the same results. Since it is on your way to work, I'm sure you'll have another opportunity! Aloha!

[kawter2]

I think your first shot was closer,


go back to it, get rid of the frams. The frame is so complex, it is taking 9-% of the attention and the pic is feeling leftout. Make a simple b or w frame. Whatever makes the pic pop a little more.

I don't think it is over exposed at all, but maybee you could a bit more contrast.. Keep the waterline the way it is, but maybe add a little bit of the left (on the first one) and not quite as much as the seccond

[ecobo]

The first photo is better. I like the yellow flowers on the bottom. The photo is very unsharp, needs unsharp masking and some levels/color corrections. It's a nice scene, but it has the potential to be much better.
The last thing I'll suggest is to remove the "wooden" frame since it is extremely destracting. Try some simple black frame.
Regards!