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BradT
11-30-2009, 05:46 PM
This is my first try at sunsets.

Is there a filter that can be used to cut the brightness of the sun without adjusting the f stops?

I like the light in the rest of the picture.

Thanks

Brad
Mad Aussie
12-01-2009, 02:24 AM
Is there a filter that can be used to cut the brightness of the sun without adjusting the f stops?

Not that I'm aware of. An ND Grad filter might help if the darker portion was at the bottom of such a shot as this. It would probably deeper those red/oranges up a bit too. But the city and lower part would become silhouette.

I like the shot ... it's a pleasant feeling photo.
I don't think there's too much I would have done differently really.
Because my own tastes I might have adjusted the levels to make the city and lower portion totally black but that's just me. This is nice as is.
AntZ
12-01-2009, 06:27 AM
HDR is an option if you want to get better exposure in the dark areas.

I like the composition and colour. I have a similar preference for silhouettes as MA and would darken the buildings.
Marko
12-01-2009, 10:57 AM
Both HDR and or graduated ND filter would have helped with a shot like this.
And the opened up foreground shadow detail would make this shot stronger. I like it though; I may have chopped off more of the left side for improved (possibly) composition. Hope that helps - Marko
kat
12-01-2009, 11:52 AM
Eveyone pretty much nailed it.

Graduated ND filter (which I can't wait to get a set) and HDR all the way..depending on what you are going after.
tirediron
12-01-2009, 12:09 PM
Not that I'm aware of. An ND Grad filter might help if the darker portion was at the bottom of such a shot as this.


Just turn it upside down! :p
BradT
12-01-2009, 01:14 PM
I will look into the HDR filter.

I agree a darker bottom portion would help the picture.

Brad
Marko
12-01-2009, 01:26 PM
HDR is not a filter. It's a technique of combining multiple exposures (for highlight, midtone shadows) to create a final image with tonal richness throughout. Did a podcast on this a while back - feel free to take a listen.
59 – HDR – High dynamic range photography – Interview with Joseph Cartright (http://www.photography.ca/blog/?p=198)

Best!

marko