I have been way too busy to post much as usual, but wanted an opinion on whether this image was worth spending some time on. This is a quick edit in lightroom and needs a bit of PS work to get a less processed and more natural look.
The image was taken at Bean Hollow State Beach (Canon 5D w/24-105). There is some yellow/gold algae on the rocks in the lower right foreground. With the late afternoon sun the rocks took on a molten gold appearance that caught my eye.
I definately see some potential here. I like the rocks and wave action.
I run into this Q. a lot with my own work under similar lighting conditions. Initially the light looks a bit harsh and contrast high. But with some PS magic much could be done. Maybe a digital blend using two conversions from the same RAW image may help the upper 1/3. Then if you can bring out the algae in the forground that might help to portrait more of what you saw in person.
Or after some work you may decide to simply go back and catch it under more optimal conditions.
Paul, a really wonderful capture overall. Along with the FG rock formations and color the wave action held up nicely too. It looks like there is some clipping in the cloud structure. I did not see you list any grad usage, I would think it would have been perfect here. As Derek suggested, maybe some more work in PS will make it really sing. Still, a very impressive capture.
Hey Paul. I am a big fan of Bean Hollow, I have been there many times. This is a great shot. This particular beach is incredibly busy at low tide with all the rocks and grooves --its tough to find a simple, orderly looking comp. I like all the diagonals, and especially the crashing waves. Not sure about the PS work, but I think you have a great start.
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 8, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Paul,
Definitely an image worth working on. I can see the interest in the "gold" on the rocks and I think you've composed this quite nicely with that in mind. This is real close as is, I think it just needs a levels/curves adjustment in the midground ocean - a bit more contrast in that area. You also might have some leeway with some saturation. A very nice seascape Paul and worth keeping and working with.
Lon
Posted by Steve Sieren on March 9, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Paul, I think it's great as is, maybe just some minor adjustments but nothing much. Looks like a good spot to return to often.
This is a disturbing potentially stunning unnatural photo...
It's very loaded with may things happening:
The complex clouds
The rough sea
The sun caressing the strange stones.
I suspect you can make something out of this photo that can be memorable to the viewer. It has the interpretive potential of a schizophrenic Dali painting:
I would work the disconnect between the small fast running clouds in the sky, the angry sea and the soft warm sunset glow on the organic rock. All this would need subtle touches in brightness/contrast/saturations to steer the eye to specific aspects of the frame to bring a mood.
Discussion
7 repliesI have been way too busy to post much as usual, but wanted an opinion on whether this image was worth spending some time on. This is a quick edit in lightroom and needs a bit of PS work to get a less processed and more natural look.
The image was taken at Bean Hollow State Beach (Canon 5D w/24-105). There is some yellow/gold algae on the rocks in the lower right foreground. With the late afternoon sun the rocks took on a molten gold appearance that caught my eye.
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Paul
I definately see some potential here. I like the rocks and wave action.
I run into this Q. a lot with my own work under similar lighting conditions. Initially the light looks a bit harsh and contrast high. But with some PS magic much could be done. Maybe a digital blend using two conversions from the same RAW image may help the upper 1/3. Then if you can bring out the algae in the forground that might help to portrait more of what you saw in person.
Or after some work you may decide to simply go back and catch it under more optimal conditions.
Derek
Definitely an image worth working on. I can see the interest in the "gold" on the rocks and I think you've composed this quite nicely with that in mind. This is real close as is, I think it just needs a levels/curves adjustment in the midground ocean - a bit more contrast in that area. You also might have some leeway with some saturation. A very nice seascape Paul and worth keeping and working with.
Lon
It's very loaded with may things happening:
The complex clouds
The rough sea
The sun caressing the strange stones.
I suspect you can make something out of this photo that can be memorable to the viewer. It has the interpretive potential of a schizophrenic Dali painting:
I would work the disconnect between the small fast running clouds in the sky, the angry sea and the soft warm sunset glow on the organic rock. All this would need subtle touches in brightness/contrast/saturations to steer the eye to specific aspects of the frame to bring a mood.
Work on it!!!
Worth working on. Wonderful sky.