Been really busy lately getting ready for the big wedding day (June 14), but I've actually been able to balance running wedding related errands with little photographic excursions into the mountains. I think these excursions have done wonders in giving us a break from all the hectic preparations (for both of us as Tami often likes to come with). Anyway, here's a few shots that I've come away with over the last 7-10 days. The image above was shot at Williams Reservoir north of Pagosa Springs.
Rafters riding out the rapids in the Animas River. The river is definitely at or near peak flow right now. Compression is kinda killing this one, unfortunately.
Nice collection of images, Guy. There's something that I see in a lot of your shots that I can't quite put my finger on, but it's something that smacks of a little too much manipulation, like overuse of the shadow/highlight feature. I don't want to overstate it, because your shots are almost always extraordinary, but it's something that seems to always crop up in your grand landscape scenes. I see it more pronounced in the last image, less so in the first one. Can you fill us in on what might cause that, or conversely, that I'm full of sh*t?
Todd, the last thing I'd ever say is that you're full of sh*t! I value your opinion of my work and I know you've mentioned this before. To be honest though, I'm not sure what is causing the effect you're pointing out. While I fully admit that I'm a fan of boldly saturated images and give most of my images a good deal of post-processing, I really try to go lightly on the S&H tool. I usually don't like to do this, but the image above is the unmanipulated raw file (egads...now you'll see the buildings I cloned out!) with just a straight conversion to jpg. I'm thinking the look that is bothering you (a lack of contrast in shadow areas?) is present here as well, which would mean its either the rendering of the raw converter I'm using (Lightroom) or something with my 5D. I guess I don't have a good answer for you.
Guy, I'm completely with you on the post-processing. After all, we're not documentarians, we're takers of pretty pictures, scenes that hopefully bring a smile or a warm, fuzzy thought to the person viewing them. I wonder if it's that the images are over-saturated, especially blues in the shadows, or that the shadows need more black weight to them.
Wow you're nailing it recently! Love the waterfall shot and especially the rafting shot... very nice.
I agree with Todd, I've noticed this too in some of your recent posts. I suppose it all boils down to personal preference, but to my eyes the boosted contrast and heavy saturation creates a sort of vibrancy that detracts from the image itself (mostly the last image I'm speaking of). I actually prefer your original version, because it's much gentler on my eyes and conveys a peaceful feeling more suited to the scene. I'd suggest dragging the new version on top of the older version, and turning the opacity to 50% for a blend halfway between the two.... that'd be just about right imo. Anyways, it's a nice shot regardless.
Great series of images Guy, I particularly like the first one and the rafting shot full of action!. I am a fan too of adding saturation to images, but like Jack I do find the last image perhaps a little over done, just my tastes though!.
Thanks everyone. I agree that the last image got a bit over-saturated. And, Todd, I agree that the blues in the shadows is what's giving things a bit of an unnatural look. Looking back over my Lightroom settings, I got a bit heavy handed with the vibrancy slider and that's what caused that. I appreciate the feedback!
Paul....yes #3 is near Molas Lake. I had put on my waterproof boots and was wandering around the meadows in the Molas pass area looking for reflections in the melt water pools.
Nice collection, Guy, love that raft shot! FWIW, i scanned all your posts before i read the comments, and when i saw that last post, i thought you had reprocessed the shot and my thought was "Wow, what a great job processing/correcting this" I didnt realize until i read the comment that it was an unprocessed shot! Moral of the story, sometimes less is more! I feel your pain...
Discussion
18 repliesThat fresh snow with the spring greenery is GREAT!
Best wishes on your upcoming wedding!
I agree with Todd, I've noticed this too in some of your recent posts. I suppose it all boils down to personal preference, but to my eyes the boosted contrast and heavy saturation creates a sort of vibrancy that detracts from the image itself (mostly the last image I'm speaking of). I actually prefer your original version, because it's much gentler on my eyes and conveys a peaceful feeling more suited to the scene. I'd suggest dragging the new version on top of the older version, and turning the opacity to 50% for a blend halfway between the two.... that'd be just about right imo. Anyways, it's a nice shot regardless.
I also like #3, is that near Molas Lake? The peaks look familiar
Paul....yes #3 is near Molas Lake. I had put on my waterproof boots and was wandering around the meadows in the Molas pass area looking for reflections in the melt water pools.