Post Processing - Using A Graduated Filter
Most pictures that include significant amounts of the sky tend to be overexposed. the sky overwhelms the camera's sensor and either the sky is overexposed or the other bits in the scene are underexposed.
A polarizing filter can fix the problem, but often we don't have one along or it is too much bother.
The overexposed sky can be fixed by Post Processing the image. I will use Lightroom for my example, but similar changes can be made in Photoshop, Aperture, or many other programs.
The graduated filter is selected and applied from the top of the image to the horizon. i typical reduce the exposure for this region by 1.5 f-stops. Too much and the top of the image is unnaturally dark. Too little and the sky is still overexposed. The amount used varies from image to image.
Scenic or Art Photography
Most of the pictures we take are documentary in nature. They show a group of people at dinner or perhaps a bird we have seen. But we occasionally get the opportunity to take a picture as an object of art. The major goal of the pictures is to evoke an emotion. It may be beauty, pleasure, or any other strong emotion.
People or Groups
I am not a good portrait photographer, but occasionally I find a subject that speaks to me on some level. Usually a person I see as i am passing by.
Scenic and Landscape
It is always easy to find a photogenic settings in the Eastern Caribbean. Sunrises and sunsets are often populated with interesting clouds or light effects. Rainbows frequently accompany the shower or squall. Sailboats make idea foregrounds or backgrounds for the many colorful islands. A wide-angle view is very often interesting.
Landscapes
Landscapes are easy to take. Good ones are much harder. The art of landscape photography is something that is learned over many years of practice. Photographers like Ansel Adams perfected the art. but, with patience and a few fundamentals one can get a pleasing landscape photo.
Sunsets and Sunrises
With the clear sky, we often don't have the spectacular red sunsets of the US, but with dust from the Sahara Desert we do at times. The clear sky also occasionally provide an opportunity a green flash. In the eastern Caribbean we are often at anchor with a clear horizon to the west. So sunsets are often spectacular.
Rainbows and Storm Clouds
With the frequent rains on most of the tropical islands rainbows are many and varied. Double bows are seen often.
Sailboats
With the many races and regattas, we get ample opportunities to get classic pictures of boats under sail. For me, the Antigua Classic has provided many ideal subjects. See - Antigua Classic.
Moon and Stars
The moon and stars under night passage are spectacular. However, a sailboat makes a poor platform for photography at night. it is better to take pictures from the dock or at anchor using multiple exposures.
