Sun-Kissed

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 30, 20164,022 views15 comments

I have not been able to shoot for the last couple of months. While I long to get back out in the field, the down time has allowed me to dig through my RAW files from earlier this year. This image was captured in the Owens Valley last spring. Comments, suggestions appreciated.

5D2, 70-200 f/4 IS L @ 200mm
2 image focus stack

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on December 30, 2016 at 4:23 PM

I know the feeling about not being able to get out and doing some shooting, Dave. The lighting in this scene is flat out gorgeous and does a masterful job of creating all the wonderful layers in this image. The details and textures really shine in the large version and I also like the fact that the hillside in the BG is shaded, making it the perfect backdrop. Beautifully done.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on December 30, 2016 at 5:53 PM

Dave, This looks fantastic! The larger version really brings it alive for me. Great comp, beautiful light and colors in this, and what wonderful textures and feel. Excellent work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Henke on December 30, 2016 at 5:53 PM

That's just an outstanding image, Dave. Lovely palette of muted colors!.

Registered on February 20, 2012, 117 Posts, 285 Comments

Comment posted by Alberto Patiño on December 30, 2016 at 8:09 PM

The light and detail are simply overwhelming - gorgeous!!

Registered on December 2, 2014, 278 Posts, 1736 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on December 30, 2016 at 10:08 PM

Well done. No need my pointing out what the others paid compliment to, but I will say your focus stack did well. Must have been zero wind.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on December 30, 2016 at 10:14 PM

Excellent job of isolating this particular comp. It works really well as a vertical. That is super sweet light. Well done!

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on December 31, 2016 at 6:06 AM

Awesome. Always loved these shots.

aF

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on December 31, 2016 at 10:40 AM

Beautiful image, Dave. The colors and detail in the backlit foliage is terrific.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on December 31, 2016 at 12:38 PM

The light here really brings out the color and tonality in the foliage. The composition is spot on and keeps my eyes engaged throughout the frame.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on December 31, 2016 at 2:32 PM

Dave,

So glad you continue to post images from your visits to the Eastern Sierra! I've enjoyed all of them.

This one is no exception. Beautiful. There is so much going on here to enjoy and it's all tied together with that gorgeous light. In fact I see at least two images that could be extracted from this vertical. The bottom brush bathed in the light with all the varying color... is like a Monet. You could crop the top just enough to eliminate the darker branches of the trees and willows - that would make a beautiful alternative.

I think you also could crop half the bottom to emphasize the trees and bg up top.

Having said all that, this is wonderful as presented and stands on it's own beautifully.

A few minor suggestions.One might be a slight increase in micro-contrast in the grasses. The shadows areas I think need just a tad more contrast. And this is getting really picky, but the light rocks in the bg are pretty heavy cyan. And lastly, you could crop/clone the LLC to address the intruding/cut off bit of sage. Again, all minor tweaks to just elevate this even more.

Love this stuff!

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on December 31, 2016 at 5:57 PM

Love the light on this one Dave. Nice to have these hidden away on the hard drive. The shaded hill serves as a perfect backdrop for the delightful layers on display. Beautifully done. Happy New Year.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on December 31, 2016 at 9:07 PM

Dave: the composition and the wonderful color palette make this an exceptional image. Congrats and hang it large. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on January 2, 2017 at 8:54 PM

Another beauty from you from this area. Comp looks great, the only small change I might recommend is to desat the small stones in the background - too cyan. Other comps in this image, lots of great opportunities here.