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Sunsets from afar

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:36 pm
by radar
Hi,

Africa can have some amazing sunsets, but what I found is that if you are not ready, it's gone :cry: Also, where we were staying, you had to be escorted by camp personel once it got dark, so limited where/when I could go do sunsets.

In Botswana, it was the dry season, we never saw a cloud while we were there. However, there always seemed to be a haze of smoke and/or dust in the air. This one from the deck of our "tent"

#1
Image

We had one afternoon that we actually went on the Okavango Delta. I held the camera just above the water, hoping that the hippos or crocs would not have Nikon lust :o :o

#2
Image

These next ones were taken in Kenya on the Masai Mara. Wide open plains, with the odd acacia tree.

#3
Image

The next two were taken the same day. We got served some nice drinks and nibbles at the end of a game drive. One was taken with the fire, one without. They are two different pictures, not just cropping. Which one works best for you?

#4
Image

#5
Image

Taken with D70s with 18-70mm kit lens. Click on the image for a larger version. Photos 1,4,5 were taken while the camera was resting on a bean bag and used the wireless remote, didn't have a tripod :cry:

Comments always welcomed, thanks,

Radar

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:01 pm
by avkomp
I like sunset shots.
#2 is my favourite here
#1 second although just feel that there is too much dark space
#3 dont think the lone tree works right in the centre and the light perhaps overdone behind it. Maybe the pano crop with that to one side would have been better??

Think 2 is a killer shot though.

Steve

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:32 pm
by krpolak
No. 1 and 2 are great.

#1 - nothing to complain about here - perfect

#2 - maybe if you could position the Sun between straws could be better

#3 - unfortunatelly sky and Sun is overblown. Also is it not good if animals have to cary trees with them ;-)

#4 & 5 - not that catchy, however I have no doubt that they are valuable for you

Regards,

K.Polak

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:42 pm
by radar
Thanks for the nice comments and suggestions. Tried cutting out a bit more of the black on #1 and tried a white border, might work better, see below.

http://www.pixspot.com/albums/userpics/sunset0431-2.jpg

As for moving the sun on #2, that will test my PP skills :? :? , worth a try.

Cheers

radar

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:37 pm
by krpolak
Personaly I prefer first version of #1. It gives more support for trees and show that complexity of branches has a reason. First version is wilder in my opinion.

Regarding #2, I was rather thinking about more carefull framing at the first place :)

Regards,

K.Polak

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:39 pm
by wendellt
Radar

welcome back
the 2nd one of hte reids evokes more emotion to me than any of the others
were you shooting it standing in the lake?

excellent set.

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:49 pm
by sirhc55
#2 - sell it to a travel agency :D

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:02 pm
by radar
krpolak wrote:Regarding #2, I was rather thinking about more carefull framing at the first place :)


Ah, "je comprend vite si tu m'expliques longtemps" is an old expression in my family, translation being I understand quickly if you explain long enough :lol:

I did not have much of a choice at the time, but I did take one prior to the one posted. The reeds are chopped up at the top, but the sun is not obstructed. I wasn't that brave to put my head that close to the water to see in the viewfinder :shock: Others in the boat wanted to get back for their gin and tonic!!

http://www.pixspot.com/albums/userpics/sunset0576.jpg

thanks,

Radar

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:04 pm
by krpolak
So maybe try to compose two of theme. Could be be easier. Real challenge will be keeping sky gradient looking untouched.

Regards,

K.Polak

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:05 pm
by radar
wendellt wrote:Radar
were you shooting it standing in the lake?

excellent set.


With crocs and hippos, not a chance :shock: :shock:

Just holding the camera close to the water was bad enough :wink:

Cheers,

radar

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:18 pm
by pippin88
All excellent photos Andre.

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:54 pm
by stubbsy
Andre

These are all good, but I really like what you've managed to do in #2. You've got a great foreground in the reeds reflected in the water and that lovely sunset with the disc of the sun. Hard to achieve and very well done.

PostPosted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 7:07 pm
by Killakoala
Not much more to add except that i wish i could take sunsets like that.