Long Exposure Bodies of Water at Golden Hour

Congratulations on your splendid and original view of la bellisima Venice at sunset. Making a really interesting photograph of Venice is much more difficult than I thought because it has been photographed so much. Personally, I experienced it this summer and I failed. So congratulations again! I don't think it's possible to do a long exposure on the main canals without capturing any boat lights as the traffic is so intense at sunset. Here, I find the light traces a little too irregular and not harmonious enough with the rest of the painting. Would I have deleted them in post-production at the risk of losing authenticity? Would I have tried perhaps without success to capture more beautiful ones? In my eyes you were not far at all from the perfect photograph.

If it had been possible your photo would be tied for first. The technical achievement is admirable. I particularly like the spectacular clarity of the building which allows the viewer to visit every corner of this strange concrete vessel which sails in an ocean of unreal calm. The warm ambiance and low saturated colors add mystery and interest to your masterpiece. It's admirable. Well done.

I really like the atmosphere of your photo. Looking at her I feel warmth, calm and peace, she makes me feel good. You proposed a particularly original interpretation of the requested theme. It was not at all obvious at first glance to represent the Golden Hour in an undergrowth but you knew how to do it and the result is really very successful: well done!!

Congratulations!! Your photo deserves the Judge's first place because not only does it meet the competition title exactly, but it is also technically perfect and aesthetically magnificent. The main subject must have been water, you managed to capture it in its most beautiful form and adorned with its most beautiful colors at sunset. Your photo manages to perfectly sublimate this legendary pier. It’s a great photography lesson for me. THANKS!!

When you review more than 1000 photos to choose just one winner, you often end up rewarding daring or originality. However, one could legitimately wonder if a more classic proposal which perfectly respects the requested theme is not more deserving. Perhaps I should have awarded your photo first place as it perfectly respects the theme? I particularly like the harmony of the colors, the composition and the beauty of the mirror effect that you were able to capture. Congratulations.