Don: I love the sky, too, but there's no other foreground interest other than the reflection. That would make for a less interesting image, IMO. You'll note that the current composition falls into the rule of thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Yes, a more panoramic crop would be fine, too, but I need to look at the image in this ratio, or even 4x5 or 5x6.
Kelly: Nope. There are cranes just to the left; I didn't want to include them. And this pretty much encompasses all of the tall buildings in central Austin, anyway. And I would never put them dead center.
Barbara: Sure thing. Here are the originals, one for the sky, the other a bit later for the buildings. These are not SOOC; they've been through LR but not PS. After doing some plug-in work on both, I ended up using the sky from the second in overlay mode in PS and adjusting for the effect I wanted. I'm pretty happy with the result.
I think it is a good shot, I'd have like to have seen another shot with the water being even smoother. Possibly a heavy ND filter to get the waves/water to be much smoother, it could make the symmetry between the actual buildings and reflections that much stronger.
You know you have a winner, this one works in every possible way for me. The fiery sky, reflection and silhouette action is taking the eye in all the right directions.
Takennnn wrote: I think it is a good shot, I'd have like to have seen another shot with the water being even smoother. Possibly a heavy ND filter to get the waves/water to be much smoother, it could make the symmetry between the actual buildings and reflections that much stronger.
Thanks. Unfortunately, with the ripples by the far shore (and thus most of the movement of the water), I would never have gotten an even texture top to bottom, no matter how long an exposure. Wasn't worth trying. I rather like the reality of the water here, and (IMO) helps to place the viewer in the scene.
It's really never not breezy or windy here I need to go north to find still water. Or on a day where the water is really in motion.
The second image is the one I prefer. I played with it in Photoshop for a couple of minutes and the colors in the image were better in my opinion. That image has some pop in it if you bring it out.
Shadowfixer1 wrote: The second image is the one I prefer. I played with it in Photoshop for a couple of minutes and the colors in the image were better in my opinion. That image has some pop in it if you bring it out.
I'm not getting this.
Do you mean the 2nd of the two images I posted showing what I used to composite the OP?
Yep. The one with the different hues of blues and magentas. I personally think it makes a more interesting image than just orange everywhere. If you don't mind, I am posting my edit of it. I will take it down as soon as you see it. 90% of the edit was done in ACR.
Shadowfixer1 wrote: Yep. The one with the different hues of blues and magentas. I personally think it makes a more interesting image than just orange everywhere. If you don't mind, I am posting my edit of it. I will take it down as soon as you see it. 90% of the edit was done in ACR.
No worries at all. I don't mind if you leave it; I'm sure that others will find this equally, or even more appealing. And that's okay.
My intent for the (1st) image was a limited range of hues, and I'm happy with that. I have about 2 dozen exposures over an hour or more, and I may experiment with more versions to create something with more varied color.
Most people will probably prefer your first composite to this. My taste has been toward the blues and magentas for early or late light. Nice job on these either way. Good job!
Yep. The only thing I would do differently is to tone down the blues in the buildings. I prefer them slightly warm. It's a nice image. Lots of color and hues.
The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.
The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!
Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.
The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.
Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!
The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.
The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.
Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!
The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.
Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!
The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!
Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.
I need to go north to find still water. Or on a day where the water is really in motion. 
Esseff 2 posts
Adam Wilson 1 post
Sarit Kevesh 1 post
Overread 1 post
JaneK 1 post
