Castle Rock, Exmoor

[James Blonde]

I've only asked for a critique once on a pic I wasn't overly sure of. Now I'm really asking for trouble as I really like this photo, although I am aware that the sky exposure could have been better. I've tried to counter this as much as possible by using a blue grad in Photoshop. The original was shot in RAW.

So *tin hat on* comments please!

[jools-elliott]

Hi James. I think that your main problem here is the contrast in the photo. The light looks a little too harsh for me.

Personally, I think the composition is not too bad but the sea thrift in the lower corner bothers me a little.

I'd like to think that going back at a different time of the day would suit this. And curisoity, when was it shot? Morning or evening?

[James Blonde]

Heh, there was a reason the light was a bit harsh, Twas late morning in February! It was the first time i'd visited and will be somewhere I revisit, although its a couple of hours away.

[jools-elliott]

I wonder whether it would work better later in the day at the right time of year. You would get the cliffs lit up.

[amk1977]

I agree with Jools.

I think this image would work considerably better taken in the evening, with the sun setting to the right hand side of the camera. This would light up the cliff face but more importantly, it will remove the shadow that's been created on the ocean. You'll also get warmer tones throughout the image.

[jools-elliott]

Looking at the location on an OS map, I would suggest that this is more a summer sunset location. I could be wrong as I haven't been there on the ground but I think it's worth getting in the within the next two months or sooner. Otherwise, the sun will change position and set behind the cliffs.

[rbarry]

I love the composition and what a spectacular view.

The view seems to be looking due west, and the time was 1:27pm if the time set in the camera was correct. As the sun goes down the shadows are going to fall more towards the pov, so I doubt that the cliff face will be lit up by a sunset. There would be a better opportunity at sunrise, although with the location north facing, the cliff face would never have the full benefit of a flooded sunrise or sunset.

Rick.