Tall ships at Liverpool.

[stelee]

Here's a shot of a couple of the tall ships at Liverpool this weekend.

[Paul Jones]

I'm quite a lover of boat shots and spent much of the last two weeks in Scotland photographing various coastal scenes. I quite like the muted colours in this shot, especially the gold sail.

I find the sky a bit heavy though, possibly due to the HDR-esque processing, but if it 'floats your boat' go with it.

The main thing that jumps out at me though is the sloping horizon (at least it look sloping to me). I think for water shots like this it helps if the horizon line between sea and sky is straight - though I have been known to occasionally over-exaggerate the effect with a deliberate 'fashion tilt' of the camera.

[stelee]

Many thanks for your comments Paul. I agree with you that it looks a bit over cooked but my intention was to try and date the image in context with the times of tall ships and the original image does look like it was shot at a regatta.
with regard to the slopping horizon it was not intentional, in fact ,I didn't see this myself until you pointed it out. It just goes to show that the more you look at an image the less you see.
Again, many thanks.

Stephen.

[John]

If you are looking for a more authentic touch, how about sepia toning? Perhaps also add a bit or "print damage" to the image and it could look like a vintage photograph.

[stelee]

Tried this as you suggested John.

[John]

I prefer the new version without a doubt. What does everyone else think?

[Tracey McGovern]

Hi Steve

A cracking shot of the two boats, I do prefer your second version though, it's much more subtle and the sepia toning works really well for the topic and the boat with the gold coloured sail, also the sky in that is more natural looking than your first version.

Tracey

[Janice Freeman]

A fantastic shot of the boats and I agree that the sepia version works really well. Much prefer it to the original. Well done.

Jan

[Paul Jones]

Much as I like the sepia treatment, I think I would personally prefer to see a straight colour shot.
I find the 'old' sepia treatment mixed with modern yachts a little incongruous.

[stelee]

Here is the original Paul, with a straight horizon of course.

[Tracey McGovern]

Can I change my mind please....!!!! I now prefer the original

Tracey

[Paul Jones]

Here is the original Paul, with a straight horizon of course.

This is my favourite of the three.
Sometimes simplest works best.

But it's your photo, so go with your preference.