This is positively sweet, Mel. I've been traveling quite a bit lately and haven't had much time to comment, but your more recent images have all been very strong, and I agree with Scott that this may be your best yet. The sky is spectacular, as is the overall comp.
I wouldn't mind seeing the middle ground and lower part of the mountains a scoche darker, just to better accentuate the mountains and reflection.
Whoa! I'm shocked by the responses to this one. I thought it was just OK.
I just switched from Elements to CS3. I'd mastered luminosity masks in Elements and many other tricks, but I'm still learning in CS3. I think I can get the processing a bit better with time.
For those wondering about the GND, I used one a bit too strong, but I didn't record which. I knew it in the field and knew I'd have to work it back. I used a levels layer masked to bring the top back up, with a curve to correct the loss of contrast and then did a little dodging. I'll try to work on the recommendations and post a new version, but it will probably be a few days.
Mel-
Posted by Derek Sedillo on July 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I have to echo the sentiments of others here Mel. This is one of the best 4x5 shots I have seen of yours.
To me it is the sweet light in the sky and reflected in the water that really makes this one a Yankee Boy stand out! Of course the perfect composition helps also. I noticed you used Velvia for this one versus Provia on some of your others of recent. I am not sure if that helped to take it to the next level. But either way it turned out awseome! F8 and be there, and you were.
Beautiful shot, Mel! Wonderful colors in this one and a great subject. I agree with Rick on the middle ground. If you decide to tweak it a little, try to repost - I'd like to see it again.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on July 27, 2008 at 1:31 AM
Great skies! This will be a killer with the tweaks you're looking at. One of the first things I noticed was a slight halo along the ridges between the ridges and the sky, either sharpening or blend/adjusting the sky. If you lightened the sky you may need to feather your masks over the ridges so the ridge lines get lightened a little too.
Discussion
26 replies4X5 Velvia 100, Fuji 125-NW, GND
I wouldn't mind seeing the middle ground and lower part of the mountains a scoche darker, just to better accentuate the mountains and reflection.
John
John
I just switched from Elements to CS3. I'd mastered luminosity masks in Elements and many other tricks, but I'm still learning in CS3. I think I can get the processing a bit better with time.
For those wondering about the GND, I used one a bit too strong, but I didn't record which. I knew it in the field and knew I'd have to work it back. I used a levels layer masked to bring the top back up, with a curve to correct the loss of contrast and then did a little dodging. I'll try to work on the recommendations and post a new version, but it will probably be a few days.
Mel-
To me it is the sweet light in the sky and reflected in the water that really makes this one a Yankee Boy stand out! Of course the perfect composition helps also. I noticed you used Velvia for this one versus Provia on some of your others of recent. I am not sure if that helped to take it to the next level. But either way it turned out awseome! F8 and be there, and you were.
Looking forward to the other shots that I saw!
Very nice Mel, love the colors and the composition!! Beautiful.
Guy