Saturday Afternoon

With bright skies and puffy clouds most of Saturday afternoon I spent time walking more recent burned areas. Standing below some of the limestone and flint covered hills with the clouds above was really pretty cool. The sky was a wonderful blue and very bright. Not the recommended time to be shooting up in the sky. But if there is one rule I like to follow, it's know the rules, then do what you want and have fun.
This hillside had very little growth appearing. Just glimpses of green shoots scattered around. It seemed ok when I worked it up but the blue of the sky just didn't seem to fit with the dirt and black of the burnt and rock. The ground seemed mostly b&w naturally.

This is the result of a b&w adjustment layer, reds and yellow reduced at least 50% which darkened and seemed to provide more contrast to the ground, blues reduced to 0 obviously resulting in the blackened sky. I'm not sure what to think about it other than it's unique.

Canon EF17-40 f4L @ 17mm
Exposure Manual: f/13, 1/30
Crop: Full Frame

Brad - It is unique! Very striking image. Did you shoot any images at higher f-stops? Just wondering if f/22 would given more of the Ansel Adams deep DOF look.

I think you've done a good job with the conversion Brad, but the image just seems to lack a main subject, and anything to move my eye through the frame. Of course, that's just my opinion - I'm sure others will find the image very appealing.

Daniel, I shot another at f/16 also. Looking at both I could not get a sense of difference, this just happens to be the one I processed. Thanks for the comment.

Bill, I'm iffy on this myself. I share the same feeling you mentioned. The rock covered hill almost seems confusing to me.
Another one of those shots that I don't know till I try. Thanks for the comment.

The perspective of the hill "slicing" through the cloud at it's apex seems a bit unreal ... humm Wayne, that's what makes it unique. I have a feeling that if the cloud had enjoyed just a bit of separation from the horizon that this would work better.

As for me, this is a lot better than what I shot on Saturday which was nothing! You should have quite a portfolio of the Flint Hills by now what with being out there every Saturday. I look forward to seeing more.

I'm on the fence about this shot. As a straight shot, I'm sure it wouldn't have much appeal to me, but with the conversion, well...I don't know. The overall uniqueness of the scene and the curvature of the hill make it interesting if nothing else.

It reminds me of the kind of prints you would see at an IKEA store (which means my teenager would think it's cool!)

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I applaud the willingness to try the shot.

Brad, I was out on the burned prairie yesterday and this image reminds me of the impression I had of walking on a high alpine tundra. I think it is from the lack of trees or vegetation of any kind.