From the archives... Holy Cross Wilderness

I've begun working on a site redesign (who isn't...?). In the process of pulling out mediocre images from my current galleries, I've come across a few that actually have potential. I've improved my PS skills over the last year or so, and am reworking a few images that appeal to me. I posted this one in the clouds theme, but thought I could get some feedback by posting here.

The original was underexposed by a stop or so - and this was shot as a .jpg back when didn't have enough CF capacity to shoot RAW on longer backpacking trips. It also suffered from vignetting, making me think I had my warming polarizer on at the time. Anyway, I've played with it long enough that I'm losing my ability to be discriminating about the changes I've made and those I'm considering, the main one being to dodge the foregound a little.

Candid feedback would be very helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

This is beautiful, Rick! Your ability to capture subtle colors and details never ceases to amaze me. The foreground might be just a tad bright, but that is teeny, tiny nit. It is great as is.

The clouds definitely make this a keeper. I'm the opposite of Scott on the foreground, I think it looks great as is. My only nit is the the far right hand evergreens and corner seem dark in comparison to the rest (the vignetting you mentioned no doubt). Brighten those to match the rest of the foreground and I think you will have it completed.

Great shot.

Craig

Loverly! What immediately struck me was the character of that rock right-of-center. At first it looks like a stump, but then it reminded me of how enamored I was with the striped character of the rocks in that area.

Rick, its funny how new technology and techniques can bring back life into old images. What you've been able to do with this is make this a first rate photograph. I agree with Scott that darkening the FG just a little will make it look more natural. Right now it looks like a GND filter was used, but you're so close to a natural look I'd go for the slightly darker FG. Either way, it is a fantastic image.

Wow love the shot Rick. So sharp and crisp too.

Brian

Beautiful shot! Love the warm light and the clouds.

Looks spot-on gorgeous to me and I would leave the FG alone.........my .02.

Looks great Rick. I love the sky!!

I wouldn't consider NOT keeping this one for a second, Rick. It's beautiful. Great detail in the FG and the clouds are an added bonus.

I really like this Rick! Perhaps it is the monitor I'm using right now (my wife's) but based on what I see I would want to lighten the right side a little bit to bring out a little detail in the trees and get it to match the left. Regardless of whether you choose to lighten or darken the FG it is a beautifully captured image!

Thanks for the feedback and comments everyone. I agree that the right side is a bit darker, especially around and below the trees on the right. The fg area right in the middle appears a scoche brighter than the rest. I think a little time spent trying to even up the foreground is the way to go.

Steve - you're correct, I did use a 2-stop GND on this shot; the vignetting was likely caused by the cokin holder as this was shot at 17mm.

Thanks again for taking time to offer your thoughts!

I like it pretty much the way it is Rick. It doesn't look there is much FG light in reality so it seems it should remain somewhat subdued. It's amazing what skills you acquire and breathe new life into old shots.

Pam