Desert Lightning + repost

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 14, 2012253 views9 comments

Nikon D5100 w/ Tamron 10-24mm lens & lightning trigger
ISO800, F8, 1 sec.
RAW image processed in PSE10
Location: Tucson, AZ - Saguaro NP West Unit

I captured this the other night as a monsoon storm was rolling out of town. In retrospect I wish I would have either used more time or a higher ISO to capture more detail in the foreground (as this required a bit too much exposure compensation during processing). I'm interested in hearing your opinions on the processing in particular as it is not my strong point. Thank you in advance!

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Navin Sarma on August 14, 2012 at 12:14 AM

Hi Tonia!

Nice shot, that bolt is quite a sight against the saguaros. I might crop a little from the left since it is pretty dark. Also looks like you have some color noise you might be able to control somewhat with a selective layer of gaussian blur with blend mode set to color. But if that starts banding, you might be out of luck. Perhaps then I might try a B&W to see if that works!

Registered on July 17, 2011, 233 Posts, 1373 Comments

Comment posted by Marco Crupi on August 14, 2012 at 12:15 AM

Amazing capture!! The scene is very powerful and the colors are 'electric'. As you mentioned, it does feel a little dark on the foreground where the image losses most of the light, particularly on the lower left corner. Have you tried bumping up the FIll light on the Raw file? You can also try blending 2 layers of the same image in PS, this one and a much lighter one, and stacking them with a gradient mask... Nonetheless, a great shot.

Registered on April 22, 2012, 14 Posts, 69 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on August 14, 2012 at 12:31 AM

Here is a slightly lighter version per Navin & Marco's suggestions w/ a small crop from the left side. Does this work better?

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Basri Akcasoy on August 14, 2012 at 8:21 AM

I love parliament blue. This is really excellent shot with composition, lightining and colors. TFS.

Registered on February 16, 2012, 118 Posts, 767 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on August 14, 2012 at 10:26 AM

I am wishing the lightning wasn't behind the cacti, but still a very nice shot. I like the graphic quality of the Saguaros standing against the sky. Some people blend images with different exposures, and some light paint with a light of some kind and have had some great results. Something to try next time, maybe.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Marco Crupi on August 14, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Hi Tonia, I like the boost in light a lot, it certainly adds to the foreground layering. Morris's suggestion on light painting is a good one for next you are presented with similar conditions.

Registered on April 22, 2012, 14 Posts, 69 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on August 14, 2012 at 6:06 PM

Great job catching that lightening bolt with the saguaro silhouettes. The repost is a big improvement.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on August 16, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Love the repost Tonia. So much better. The saguaros make such great subjects. Nice work.

Registered on September 29, 2009, 137 Posts, 2659 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on August 17, 2012 at 7:01 PM

I really like this, Tonia--the dark presentation works for me! The repost is perfect.

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments