Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delightby
kaiser_chiefComment by spiritualspatula: Hello from the Critique Club-
My initial impression of your shot is that the colors are very calming. The saturation is good, and the tones are somewhat soft and subdued, which leads to a soothing presentation. Sails lowered and moored in the bay, the yachts certainly add to this effect, as do the relatively calm waters of the bay. Overall, the scene is exposed properly, though I would say there is a small sliver of the cloud that seems to be a bit overexposed. I might suggest bringing out a bit more detail in the hulls of the yachts, since they are focal points. Currently, they are a bit in the middle, being dark but not quite a silhouette.
In terms of composition, you have carefully placed your subjects in regards to the rule of thirds, which I think is fitting for the scene. Using the cloud as a delineation between the upper and middle third is a convenient and well thought out approach. Speaking of the placement of the yachts, I also like that they are in different angles relative to the camera, and furthermore that their masts are different lengths and they are slightly different distances from the camera as well. This adds a bit of a dynamic nature to the photo. Having said that, I think your score would have been higher had the scene been more dynamic or dramatic. If you look at the top finishing sunsets for this FS (and really, most all FS), they all have elements that make them dynamic, be they intense, fiery colors, crepuscular rays, or something moving, such as the surf. These elements all add interest and pop to an image, which are especially necessary elements in a FS. In your scene, it almost seems as though all the change for the night has already occurred and everything will just be going to sleep and getting dark. Including more of the horizon and the gradations of color that would be created closer to the sun might be an example for this, though that would eliminate the option of using the rule of thirds in the exact manner that you did.
I liked your photo, but think that when voters come in to the FS they are expecting a âloudâ image to really wow them, whereas yours is a carefully composed and subdued scene more appropriate for a maritime or similar challenge.
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