Posted by Bret Edge on February 21, 2009 at 12:16 AM
I made this image tonight while guiding a client in Canyonlands. Neither of us expected much from the sunset but it turned out to be a pretty darn nice one. Not dramatic clouds but this soft glow developed a few minutes after the sun dove below the horizon.
Thanks for having a look and leaving a comment.
5D2, 24-105mm lens, f/16, 2 & 3 stop GND
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 21, 2009 at 1:32 AM
Brett, this one isn't working for me. I love the pastels in the sky, but the foreground is just too "murky", at least on my monitor.
Posted by Stan Rose on February 21, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I respectfully disagree, i really like the soft mood here, its a different kind of light than what we usually see from these type scenes, but just as effective IMO; if the fg were less "murky" tthen it wouldnt match the light. That sliver of the river makes the shot for me.
Posted by Rick Dunn on February 21, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Bill and Stan bracket my own thoughts on this one, Bret - the subtle f/g can work, but I think it's just a scoche too flat right now. I also agree that boosting contrast or extracting a lot of detail will disconnect it from the wonderfully soft sky.
I'd brighten up just the light-colored area that outlines the rim; that would accentuate the wonderful topography without having to open up the entire f/g. For me, it keeps the mood soft but lends greater interest to the f/g. An ever so slight increase in f/g saturation would suit my personal tastes (warm hues only; I'd keep the blues where they are).
Not sure, but that might be some flare just below the horizon on the far right.
All that aside, looks like a positively wonderful evening in the park!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 21, 2009 at 12:46 PM
I like this mild and calm view and my thoughts fall in line with Rick's.
Posted by Steven Peckham on February 21, 2009 at 4:34 PM
+2 with Rick. I really like the pastel sky and seeing the reflection off of the river. The foreground needs to have some stronger contrast to compete with the sky/horizon. My eyes are anchored to the sky without a strong contrast in the lower 2/3s of the image to pull them down.
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 21, 2009 at 4:48 PM
I'm with Bill on this one.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 21, 2009 at 5:21 PM
As am I...sorry.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on February 21, 2009 at 6:09 PM
Bret, This looks like a really nice sunset but I feel it's missing something. It needs something in the foreground to draw me in. I really need to make it to Moab and get you to be my guide.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Thanks for the comments, folks. I felt the canyon area was murky from the beginning but didn't like the look of it any lighter. I think it's one of those moments that was much more enjoyable in person than in the photo!
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 22, 2009 at 12:05 AM
...it's one of those moments that was much more enjoyable in person than in the photo!
Discussion
10 repliesThanks for having a look and leaving a comment.
5D2, 24-105mm lens, f/16, 2 & 3 stop GND
I'd brighten up just the light-colored area that outlines the rim; that would accentuate the wonderful topography without having to open up the entire f/g. For me, it keeps the mood soft but lends greater interest to the f/g. An ever so slight increase in f/g saturation would suit my personal tastes (warm hues only; I'd keep the blues where they are).
Not sure, but that might be some flare just below the horizon on the far right.
All that aside, looks like a positively wonderful evening in the park!
+2 with Rick. I really like the pastel sky and seeing the reflection off of the river. The foreground needs to have some stronger contrast to compete with the sky/horizon. My eyes are anchored to the sky without a strong contrast in the lower 2/3s of the image to pull them down.
Like sex.