About a month ago, I made
this post right here in Earth, Sea and Sky. I said I'd return and shoot this spot several more times, and I did just that.
On my very last time there, I finally got what I was looking for. So many times we landscape photogs bust our humps and the weather doesn't cooperate. It feels so rewarding when persistence pays off and we finally do get what we're looking for.
When you add up all the trips I made to this remote spot, and all the time behind the computer, I really ended up putting a LOT of work into making this image. I honestly think it's the best image I've ever made on St. Croix. Also, I feel it's one of the strongest images I've made just about anywhere in the last year or two.
This is a blend of two images, one for the sky, one for the rest, both
painstakingly blended by hand. I also selectively dodged and burned at very slight opacities to add depth and interest.
What do you think of my blend here? I've really been working on improving my technique, and I *think* I did a much better job than on my previous post.
5dMk2, 16mm, f/16, 1.3 seconds, ISO 100, one shot with a three-stop ND filter, one without.
(Note: PLEASE view larger version, as the details really strengthen this one. Also, it's best viewed over a dark background if possible.)
Comments
17 commentsCertainly can't disagree. It's a very strong image. My only suggestion blending-wise might be to make the light on the middle rock and that on the rock on the right match a bitter better. Middle rock seem a bit bright, rock on right seems a bit dark. That's a very small quibble though. It's a very dramatic scene with well-presented light.
Excellent image, and surely even better than the previous attempt at this spot.
Sandy r
Blend-wise, I think it looks great, very good work. My only little suggestion (and this is more of a personal preference) would be to darken up the left side of the water a little bit. I'm partial to have my reflected light significantly darker than the actual light... but it really is a personal thing. This is an awesome shot either way.
I agree with TK's critique.
I like the colors and the slight painterly feel.
Gary.
Mark
Regarding that dang rock at the right, I agree that it looks a tad dark. The thing is, I've already lightened it a lot and I'm afraid of introducing excessive noice if I push it any further. Also, as someone else noted, that rock is actually in the shadow of the seastack so it really was darker in the scene.
Nevertheless, I will try and lighten it some more and repost it. I'm getting on a plane in about three hours, however, so the repost won't be 'till next week.
Thanks again for all your comments!