Paul, hope you don't mind me jumping in on your image's page here.
A couple of thoughts for you. Some creative food for thought, that is.
It seems to me, that you're wrestling somewhat with getting a proper exposure. Which, can and in turn, throw off some other stuff. Colour balance to name one. So ...
Your camera has some capibilities/functions built-in ... to compensate for challenging lighting conditions.
The easiest and less technical ... kind of, sort of ... is to lock your exposure before depressing the shutter button:
There is also a functionality/option of 'compensating for exposure'. In other words and putting it simply, you can make an adjustment such that your camera underexposes a setting (if the scene is too brightly lighted), or, vice versa. Making an in-camera adjustment to allow more light if too dark.
Here is an in-depth look at Exposure Compensation:
Given your title, the above information may not be applicable. Nothing wrong at all with fresh approaches and giving us, your viewers, something to view on the more creative side.
As mentioned above, the composition is a strong element. In and of itself.
Personally? And being bold here ... I would prefer a more natural-looking shot ... such that the areas of the shadows contain a bit more detail. And then taming the exposure of the sky.
That nonsense of mine aside, have a look see at the above links. And if need be, dive into your camera's manual to locate the functions referenced.
And above all ... keep shooting ... and happy shooting. :o)
"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
I really like the composition of this one with the big wheel in the foreground. And then the line of logs along the shore leading our eyes the other way. Nicely done!
A wonderfully composed shot Paul. I personally like the bits of logs and driftwood interacting with the rusty old wheel. A good shot. I learned some things from reading Les' critique.
An intriguing capture Paul ... I like how the old rusty wheel is mixed in with nature's elements, but yet has it's own distinction. The blues of the water & sky are gorgeous, but I'd like to see some more detail in the shadows. Other than that, I'd say you composed this scene very nicely. Wonderful work.
Well Paul...I don't know much about the technical stuff in photography, but I know this::::this is an outstanding photo!
When I got this in the VB I immediately had to see who did it, and I fell in love with the wheel! I kind of wish there were parts of this photo that wouldn't be quite as dark, but I really like it the way it is.Maybe just using some kind of Clarify tool as I use in PSP. But, gosh Paul...I love the feeling of the whole scene. I like how at the top right side of the sky it has a certain glow which is also showing up on the driftwood. Very beautiful Paul. Verena