attempt at long exposure

This was my first attempt at taking a pic using a long exposure time (5 sec.). The sun was almost set and a storm had started to roll in a couple hours earlier. While the pic has some qualities that I like, it still doesnt really excite me. Any ideas on how to improve future shots like this. Im pretty new and appreciate the comments. Thanks

the exposure looks good! its not your technique - its just the subject matter. There is nothing particularly captivating about this shot. you have a great lead-in line with the water, but it leads to some buildings that just dont really inspire anything (for me, at least). Also, the clouds and sky look great too. Your technique and composition seem right on, its just the actual location that doesnt seem to be working here... i dont know whether thats any help or not.

Your comments do help. I appreciate that you took the time to look and leave comments. Thanks again.

I think its a great capture. With that said, I think it may be a little flat. Try bumping the contrast a little more.

I like the picture, the only thing I don't care for is the almost square image takes a bit of impact away, so for me a more wide angle look would be more dramatic in my eyes but love the exposure for sure.

Hope you don't mind but I'm thinking something like this.

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I really think it's a great first try! For something more 'interesting' maybe you could stand on the bridge and face toward where you were standing when you took this. Even if you could get up under the bridge on the rocks. Still, it's a nice shot!

Shasta wrote in post #5164147
I like the picture, the only thing I don't care for is the almost square image takes a bit of impact away, so for me a more wide angle look would be more dramatic in my eyes but love the exposure for sure.

I see what you are saying. Im so intending on buying a wide angle lens some day, but maybe for now I should try adjusting the crop.

PhotosByCynthia wrote in post #5164195
I really think it's a great first try! For something more 'interesting' maybe you could stand on the bridge and face toward where you were standing when you took this. Even if you could get up under the bridge on the rocks. Still, it's a nice shot!

Good idea, maybe I should try getting down where that guy is sitting.

flyfisher x wrote in post #5164076
I think its a great capture. With that said, I think it may be a little flat. Try bumping the contrast a little more.

Between adjusting the contrast and maybe a different crop (as suggested), I might actually like this photo a bit more.

The comments help!

i like it. not every picture has to be epic.

ninext wrote in post #5166035
i like it. not every picture has to be epic.

Thanks, this might be the best advice I've got yet! I have a ton to learn and this is good advice to keep in the back of my mind.

HOLY CRAP SOMEONE ELSE FROM CC!!?!!! I know the area that you took this in twisted and there just really isnt much there. As everyone else said, it is not you its just the subject matter. maybe try farther down the river near where the kayack course is and shot in that area. I am thinking of taking my cameras and tripod out to the senate building and state buildings to do some pics soon. Waiting for all the trees to start blooming. Another good area might be a long exposure like this at the Firkin & The Fox, right before sunset when they have the fire going.

Not a pro by any means but still like to shoot when I get the chance!

gregnash wrote in post #5211562
HOLY CRAP SOMEONE ELSE FROM CC!!?!!! I know the area that you took this in twisted and there just really isnt much there. As everyone else said, it is not you its just the subject matter. maybe try farther down the river near where the kayack course is and shot in that area. I am thinking of taking my cameras and tripod out to the senate building and state buildings to do some pics soon. Waiting for all the trees to start blooming. Another good area might be a long exposure like this at the Firkin & The Fox, right before sunset when they have the fire going.

Not a pro by any means but still like to shoot when I get the chance!

Pretty funny! I've been thinking about trying to get some shots in that downtown area myself. The Firkin Fox place (aka St. Charles Hotel) is an great old building and definatly something I'd like to get a good image of. I might just have to try your idea! Thanks for the input.

Yeah there are some pretty good areas around, I just need to get my hands on a DSLR so that I can actually get out more. Telegraph St. is another good place as is most of the downtown business area, lots of older building to take shots of. If you have 4wd then there are other places that you can get to up in the Franktown area, etc.

Speaking of... do you know any good places in Reno,Carson,Tahoe area that sell used equipment? I know we have Gordons but havent had a chance to get in there.

gregnash wrote in post #5212696
Yeah there are some pretty good areas around, I just need to get my hands on a DSLR so that I can actually get out more. Telegraph St. is another good place as is most of the downtown business area, lots of older building to take shots of. If you have 4wd then there are other places that you can get to up in the Franktown area, etc.

Speaking of... do you know any good places in Reno,Carson,Tahoe area that sell used equipment? I know we have Gordons but havent had a chance to get in there.

I dont think there is anything in our area. I actually had to buy from B&H photo because Gordons didnt carry the lens I was looking for; Kind-of a drag, this area could really use something else.
Im planning on getting up to Hobart Res. soon. The view from the mountain is great!