• Sunrise at Canal Rocks
    Sunrise at Canal Rocks
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Hi Victoria,

One of the hardest subjects for a photographer to work with is a bright blue sky. It's a big empty space and most of the time all it brings to a photograph is boredom.  Dark shadows can also create problems for photographers;  they hide detail from the viewer.

With both those considerations in mind, I think this is an interesting subject that for the moment is stuck between a visual rock and a hard place. Don't stress  though; I'm heading out tonight to do a re-shoot of a buidling, simply because earlier in the week the sky was boring - these things happen!

I would look at going back to this location when there's a full moon either rising or setting.  If this photograph was taken at sunset looking east, then this will be an evening shot. If this photo was taken looking west then it will be an early start for you!

Combining this image with the full moon gives you a couple of advantages; you will have the glow of the sunset coming from behind to illuminate this rock.  The other advantage though, is the sky will look a lot bluer and you'll have the advantage of the moon as an additional focal point! Just remember to take a tripod!

Now...one last note. I notice you mentioned using a polarising filter to make this image. Polarisers only have an effect when the sunlight is coming in from 90° to the angle that you're shooting from. This means that if you're shooting with the sun behind you, you won't get to see the effect of the blue sky. 

Cheers, Anthony.

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