What Did I miss?

Hi @ImaRetiredTeacher 

The photo is out of focus. If you want to capture the wave you need both depth of field and fast shutter speed. You also need to make sure you achieve focus before taking the shot.

Best wishes

Jacquelin

Hello All,

I hope 2024 has been good to you so far!

I am stumped as to why the attached image was refused. They gave me a general Quality refusal so I rechecked for EVERYTHING like 4 or 5 times. I was so exited when I saw what I had captured, but now I'm bummed. I've never seen a wave photograph this way. Please tell me if you see anything. 

Thanks in advance!

By @ImaRetiredTeacher

Uneven lighting needs a layer mask to adjust levels/curves on the sky and pier building without over boosting the waves.

The photo is too soft which makes it appear out of focus. If you look at the histogram, you will see that there are no blacks. There are no pixels on the left side. That means there is not enough contrast. Additionaly, the exposure should have been a little faster catching some of the water drops. The blurred spray makes the wave appear out of focus. If the storm is your main subject, then a landscape view would have nbeen better. The pier being 1/3 of the photo and the rough waves being 2/3. 

Hello @ImaRetiredTeacher ,

Well, I have a different opinion.

In my point of view, although the image is a bit soft, I personally don't think that the image is blurry or out of focus. The focus is good!!

I also don't think the people need to be removed, as they are part of the composition.

Anyway, my suggestion would be to give the photo more warmth. When using film cameras, when shooting in such conditions, one could use a warm-up filter to give more warmth. These days, software does the trick.

It may have been rejected because of this!

You have a very nice shot and you have got a really good shot of the spray!👍