Bullhead Mt Sunset_re-do

Much better Wayne!

Absolutely lovely, Wayne. I am reluctant to choose between the two, but I think I prefer this one. As a practical matter, though, I suspect the other would be more attractive to a non-photographer.

Thanks John.
PHIL: You hit on my dilemma exactly. The guy who wants a print of this seems to like the photos that "look like paintings." I'll see what his reaction is tomorrow.

Definitely let the client choose.

I think this might show great on a black background. The other is certainly more painterly.

Love this one best Wayne but both are gorgeous.

I don't know Wayne, I like this one to, tough choice, luckily I don't have to make that call, it's up to you and your client, this one does have a little more of a natural look, either way, beautiful work. Take care.
John

Definitely a tough choice Wayne. Just to be difficult, I kinda like a mix of the two. I prefer the land/tress of the previous shot and the sky in this one. That's a big help, huh? LOL.

Wayne, both work just fine IMO. However, as posted previously let the client choose. We as photogs get wrapped up in the technical and "realistic look" almost to a fault. But, in our defense that's what we are asking others to do for us, analyze & point out thoughts on the image technical items overall. So, that's what we do.

I like this one much better Wayne. I wasn't a fan of the HDR feel of the previous version, but I really like this one. Nice colors and sky.

personally i think it's a huge improvement, Wayne--but i understand he appeal of the former. You oversharpened this one a bit

I'm with Bill, I like the land better in the first post, and the sky better here.. Looks like Garnet Lake from the Balm of Gilead?

Hi wayne Love them both, but this one wins by a hair
Albert Darmo

A better revision of the first. Killer scene for sure.

Still some haloing on that ridge line and what seems like some sharpening halos. I'm not sure what is causing it, but my first thought is maybe too much mid tone contrast (clarity) and maybe a little too much sharpening in certain areas for web. I'd sharpen various amounts in layers and erase out the indications of artifacting - or over sharpening.

Thanks again, everyone. This is another great example of how valuable NPN critiques are. You really helped me produce a better image.

Bill and Zack: Even before your comments, I recognized there was too great a contrast between the land and sky to print well, so I brightened the land somewhat, showed it to the client, and he actually chose the modified "realistic" version.

Zack: This was shot from the top of Balm of Gilead Mt, but that's 13th lake barely visible in the valley. This is one of the few places with a nice open view to the west and good hardwoods that I can get to quickly from home.

Stan and Mark, thanks for the technical eye here. I should really spend more time on Web conversions; I use an action I recorded to produce 1200 pixel reductions, but clearly, one size does not fit all. This image is so contrasty I even had to deal with the issues you mentioned in the full-size version to make an 11x21 print last Friday.