Edith Creek Bridge - OK the sign is gone!

I also posted this in the M&N gallery...

I've been experimenting with the technique in George DeWolfe's latest Outdoor Photograher article, where he talks about using color range selection to enhance luminosity in his photographs. I'm still getting the hang of it, but I liked how this came out.

I converted to LAB, and used Select>Color Range, and three curves layers to pop the FG and send the mid/background fading into the fog.
Curves 1 was a global adjustment
curves 2 was adjusted with yellows selected
curves 3 was adjusted with midtones selected.

Thank you for taking time to view and critique.
Larger Image Here

Edith Creek Bridge, Mt Rainier National Park
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL
7/29/2007 8:18:32 AM
1/13sec @ f16
ISO 200
Tamron 17-50 DI II @ 50.0 mm
Tripod
mirror lockup
cable release
Processing:
- LAB color mode
- 3 curves layers
- USM

It really made it pop, Curtis..

I like the foggy feel here Curtis. However, I have to admit the sign in the LL corner is bothering me. Not sure there is much you can do other than clone it out, without shooting this from another angle that is. Otherwise nice feel, maybe desaturate the greens a hair (albeit it could be my monitor as I am waiting for my calibration software to come).

I was there at the same time, Curtis. Annie and I probably walked right by you. I agree with Adrian about the aesthetics. Processing looks fine to me.

Curtis,

Interesting technique I'll have to try. I love the fog. To me the greens in the FG are almost too luminous. There is very little variation in light even in the most dense undergrowth where my eye expects to see some shadow even on a day with such diffused light.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. The greens are pretty heavily saturated via the a and b channels. They're right on the bleeding edge of what I would consider overdone, so maybe I need to tone them down a bit, and bump the contrast so there's some more distinct shadows.

As for the sign, I'm on the fence about it. I could easily clone it out and not miss it. It certainly does not contribute anything. If it were not my photo, I'm sure I would have made a similar comment. On the other side of the coin, this is obviously a trail, so why is the sign an issue? is it because it's distracting? does it seem out of place? Is this a photographer-only nit that most non-photographers would not even notice? What if I cropped a bit off the left side so that the sign is not so far into the frame?

Oh, and Marc, if you're going by the time posted for the image, it's an hour off. I absolutely detest daylight savings time and refuse to allow my camera conform, so my image times are "real time" this time of year. It's my private little protest But we could have passed each other at some point. We got back to the truck around 10:00a.m. Pacific Fake Time. (then we beat feet to Longmire for breakfast)

Signs are not always bad Curtis. They can be ok and even add to an image. Yet in this image I can't see what the sign even is so it feels more like a pole next to the trail. I agree signs are normal on many well traveled trails, but I usually prefer to leave them out. If it were me I would clone this one out. If you crop it, the image cuts the bridge apart and I think I would prefer to see it whole at least for this comp. Hope this helps!

very good points Adrian. Ya know, I'm probably just trying to justify not cloning it out because it's one of my least favorite tasks. I'm not that good at it, so it's more hassle than fun for me... :)

Damn you! I didn't even really notice it at first, but now I can't stop looking at the sign!! Hey Curtis, if you want I can clone it out. I've gotten pretty good at it, and my rates are quite reasonable...

Coincidentally, I have been studying photos with fog, and have noticed one common factor in the images that I find stunning. There is something in the foreground with good detail, and then everything fades as you get further back into the comp. You did a good job with that on this shot, but I still almost want just a bit more contrast, maybe even into the rocks by the trail and the first part of the rail. Of course, you know I'm wrong as often as I'm right.

I don't totally understand the technique you described, but I like the luminosity that you pulled out, Curtis! Cool! My vote is to kill the sign, btw. Since you hate cloning, another option would be to carry a little camp shovel and dig the sign out before you shoot the scene, then replant it afterward. Might be easier than cloning...

Tom

Really, really nice, Curtis, I'd get rid of the sign though.

alright, I'll dump the sign... *sigh* But I think I like Tom's suggestion the best!

So I spent about a half hour getting rid of the sign. glad I did, but holy crap! I gave the contrast a boost, and I also added a 4th curves layer with the highlights selected to create a bit of glow in the BG greens. Whattaya think?

Big Version

The green is a bit too green but other wise, post it at M&N collect EP.

Good job on the sign, Curtis... but now I'm wondering what it said..?

"PHOTOGRAPHERS MUST STAY ON PATH"

-Tom

No, actually it said, "DON'T LET THEM CLONE ME!!!"

Lol...I got a kick out of this thread. Good job on the cloning, though. I wouldn't know it if I never saw the first picture. Way to make use of the conditions. (I agree with Mark's comments on the green in the second picture)

A nice and moody shot Curtis. I like it better without the sign. I do agree with Mark about the green. I think you may have a real winner here.

Nicely done, Curtis. I really like the added contrast on the rocks at the bridge, it really brings an anchor to the composition, and gives a place for the eyes to be drawn in. I have to agree with the others, though, that it might be a little too green now, maybe something in between the too shots. All in all, though, a wonderful shot!