The South Sierra

Lots of gorge posts lately. Here's something different. This is a 6-image mosaic of the Alabama hills and Lone Pine peak as a storm clears.

This is a shot that a postage size version can't even start to represent. I love the spirit here although there is almost a "wide soft brush" line in the sky across the top that seems almost too black.... same along the top of the hills on the Right in the start of the sky. Maybe that is cloud/atmosphere but from this version it looks like a little too much with the burning brush... but again, I can't tell from this size of a shot. This should fill up both my 21" monitors !!

Probably just the uneveness of my corrections after merging the frames. CS3 will handle it better, I'm sure.

I don't know if this suggestion will make any sense but I would like to see a little more tonal separation between the mtn range and the FG/sky. I see 3 horizontal bands of "tone" and feel the middle one should stand out a little more than it does. That could be accomplished by darkening the FG but I think you need the detail that is there to remain visible. Regardless, another terrific B&W.

Repost, addressing both issues.

Much better, IMO.

I bet this looks damn amazing in print Marc, I am liking the first as is, I think the second you are starting to get bright whites, and I really like the tones in the first. Also, is that a road in the middle bottom? Kinda looks like one winding into the peaks. Nice, really nice.

Yes. I'll print the whites somewhere between the first and second image. The second is a little overkill in spots. Yes, that is a road, but everyone who visits this area and photographs it knows it's there so I probably won't clone it. You can actually see individual trees and branches in the 100% image, as well as a small car parked near the base of the road!

I am still finding the sky a bit dark, but that's personal preference. It a nice shot though and really too small to fully appreciate.

Simply excellent Marc. I love looking at your images.

Nice Marc - one of those I think needs to be seen at full size to appreciate..

Nice image Marc. I've looked at this several times and I have "critique block". I can't think of anything to say.

Can I ask you pros a question?????? Do you EVER just sit back and look at a picture and enjoy it or do you constantly pick it apart. I know this site is made to give suggestions but to the untrained eyes(ME) these pictures are just SPECTATULAR and BEAUTIFUL and a joy to view. Do you take these pictures for the normal public so we will want to purchase them or for photo contests? I wish I was as good as you guys but that willnever happen so I just take pictures of what I like and if someone else likes it thats good too. Mark you are just GREAT!!!!! I wish I could be your assistant but unfortunaltely I have to work here at my regular job. I like sunsets so keep up the good work.
Mary Ellen