Sunset at Yaquina Bay

After a long drab day on Sunday, the clouds finally broke around noon and we had a spectacular sunset. I was lucky to be in Newport and just minutes before the close of the Yaquina Heat Lighthouse Park. This shot was taken at 6:44:20 p.m. using my Nikon D700 and Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 len. The capture was made at ISO 800, f/11 @ 1/60 of a second at 24mm. Any suggestion or comments are appreciated. Thanks for taking a look. Ray

Ray, I'm not looking at this on a calibrated monitor, so take my critique with a grain of salt, I may be way off. I think the white area in the sky is a bit blown out, so it's a little distracting. It's certainly a tough balance. I wish the foreground was a little lighter. Obviously, you've got a wide range to deal with here, so it isn't easy.

I love the clouds and the colors of the low part of the sky. the photo also conveys a nice mood overall.

Ray, I saw your post at work, but wanted to wait to comment when I was on a calibrated monitor. The comp is sensational, as is the tip of sun on the horizon and the cool clouds. I see what Ryan mentions in the blown out sky above the clouds. If you shot in raw mode, I'd recommend trying to correct that in your raw processor. Aside from that, I think the foreground could be a bit brighter...easily done with a curves adjustment. This is my absolute favorite lighthouse on the coast and you've captured a very unique perspective that I really like.

Ray, I was thinking along the same lines as Ryan. A set of neutral grads would be a big help with a scene such as this with a high dynamic range. Did you use a tripod or was this hand held? I think the composition is pretty good but maybe a little crop off the bottom?

Thanks for the great suggestions. I have incorporated your ideas and believe the results are much improved. Thanks for taking the time to view and comment. I am posting the new version for your review. Ray

There you go. Much better.

The redo is nice Ray.