GIVE MORE SPACE TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT - MAKE IT PART OF THE COMPOSITION PROCESS

This image has special meaning to me.  This bridge is located in Duluth, MN.  This is where my wife and I spent the first three years of our marriage  So when we had a chance to return to Duluth, I already new the aerial bridge was a must stop.

Earlier in the day, we scouted out the locations to shoot from that would provide the best night view.  Once there, I started setting up for the shot.  At 33 degrees, I wasn't eager to spend a lot of time getting my gear ready.  My wife was hoping I would just hit the shutter button and head for the warmth of the car.

The tripod was setup, the camera settings were dialed in, it was time to get the picture.  Then the moment of decision came.  How do I compose?  Do I lower the horizon line to reveal a lot of the sky with the hint of magenta in the clouds?  Do I raise the horizon line to reveal more water?  So what was going to make the image?  I decided it was the reflection of the colored lights in the water.

Obviously, this is a personal choice.  A choice every photographer makes when preparing to hit the shutter button.  There is no wrong answer here regarding the horizon.  I simply chose to emphasize the reflection.  My wife was quick to agree with my choice because it was 33 degrees.

Aerial Bridge