Taquala Moon and repost

Bruce,

Wonderful first effort at a composite - aren't they fun?

I like the way you've changed the crop and saturation/warmth from your original post.

You've also done some good things technically with the composite - the moon looks as if it could have been part of the original image (with respect to its edges) and you've flipped the reflection - which is critical.

To take it to the next level, you might consider modifying the reflected moon a little - it appears to be roughly the same sharpness/brightness/etc... as the moon in the sky. Check out the reflections of the trees and use them for hints - they're softer on the edges and even though the water is smooth, there's a hint of ripples. There's also less detail and they're probably a touch darker/less saturated. If you did something simple to the reflected moon - like add some transparency, slight gaussian blur, a touch of distortion, or even darken/burn, etc... it doesn't need a lot, but enough to make it 'reflected"

A point to consider when making composites are - do the elements go together/belong together... or are you going to put two things together that shouldn't be, purposefully, to create some intrigue.

This next comment completely depends on what your intent was here - there's some tension and intrigue in your image... caused by having a full moon in the same sky as the sun. The way the lunar cycle works, a full moon never shares the same sky/direction with the sun. When the moon rises with the sun in the AM it's going to be between 3/4 and new-moon (like your first post of this image). If you are trying to create some sense of mystery or intrigue, this works very well, on the other hand, if you were going for a moment which is "real", then it can't

From a technical perpsective - this is because the direction/angle of light will never be the same across each element of the composite - which you should have if you're going for "real", but you don't need if you're going for intrigue (soooo much to consider!!).

But half the fun with composites, is you can create something simply "just because"

Hope to see more - for a first one this is REALLY well done Bruce!

Karen gave an excellent analysis. The Devil is always in the details, isn't it? However, had I not read her analysis, it probably would not have occurred to me that anything was awry. A beautiful image, nonetheless.

Thanks for the comments so far.

Karen-astute observations all around. I did consider applying some motion blur to the moon but it seems like most of the ripples are higher in the frame and I thought I might be able to get away without it.......I guess not I guess my intent was to make it as realistic as possible and still express my personal artistic style. As far as the astronomical realities.....well I hadn't considered that. However even though it appears that the sun is setting behind the same mountains that the moon is rising above that's not the case at all. The original file has a moon in it as you can see from the earlier post in my gallery,that image isn't a composite. The sun had set almost directly behind me and I think the color on the horizon is from the sun's reflection off the mountain but I'm not sure about that.
When I shot this I used a 3-stop reverse grad, so I have already darkened the reflection considerably, but I agree it needs more.......I just got lazy
Excellent critique. Thanks for taking the time.

First of all this is a very attractive image, the type of image I enjoy looking at without attempting to form a more critical appraisal. Secondly, I was about to post a photo when I saw yours and decided against it for now. Yours really stands out. Thirdly, I agree with the comment about darkening the lunar reflection. Lastly, your original photo has a half moon and as the moon gets smaller it may set into a setting sun, but a full moon never does. But who cares, this is photo art and a nice piece of art at that.

Repost after adding some motion blur and darkening the moon some. I think it's an improvement.

Very nice and educational critique from Karen - much appreciated!
My critique is shorter:

This is Photo Art. Anything goes. This works great for me - excellent colours, consept, and execution. I do, however , agree with blurring the reflected moon, as you did in the second post. A bit TOO much, possibly..

Sandy

Very nice !

Hey Bruce,

I hope in all my wordiness the fact I really like your image and concept didn't get lost. My day job (the one that supports my photography addiction) is as an a-n-a-l-y-s-t (so I can be "anal" all too easily )

This is photo-art, and I completely agree with what Sandy says - anything goes (look at Marc Ward's gallery and the elephant/meerkat composite with beach umbrellas!). Having said that, small tweaks, as picky as they sound, can take a good image to the next level.

Thanks for the repost and keep having fun with these - I can imagine you getting a lot of mileage out of that moon image.

Cheers,

Bruce, art is art to express what feel and how you see world around you. It's always subjective. Both images are fantastic, but if I have to choose my vote goes to the repost. Congrats.

Bruce,

Great first effort at compositing... many good suggestions given about blurs and brightness. It's nice to see a high number of views and comments here in the PA gallery. Bet ya can't just do one....

Congrats on WP.

Congrats on the WP! well-deserved!
Sandy

Congrats! Congrats!

Well deserved. You must be delighted!

Bruce:
Congrat on WP. The repost is fabulous.

Way to go, Bruce! Congrats on the Pick for this!

Thanks for all the suggestions and nice comments. I'm humbled and honored by the WP accolades. (Translation: Ahhhh, fame and glory at last. )

BRUCE! Nice going on the Pick!! Glad to see it!