Jupiter

As you all probably know, getting a very low tide at sunset isn't trivial (ie. it takes planning). Now, when you want that to happen in conjunction with minimal moon in the sky you're asking for trouble... as the moon and the tides are closely linked. Well, last night was about as good as I could get I think. So I went down to the beach to try a twilight shot. Ocean mist, haze, and light pollution didn't help with getting the stars to shine as brightly as I'd have liked (and the 12% moon probably didn't help much). Anyways, here's what, after lots and lots of painful blending, I arrived at (there's still some edge work to be done, but I doubt you can see it at this size). I'm not totally sure about it, it sort of feels more fake and "disney" than I'd like, though I used exactly the same methods as usual. The pink is the glowing ocean mist.

The bright thing is Jupiter, and the swirls and reddish shapes seemed fitting. Maybe the name is pushing it, but hey, I already pushed it

Your honest thoughts are much appreciated..

I don't know Floris, it looks pretty good to me. I am really impressed lately with all the blending techniques folks are using. It makes for some pretty phenomenal images.

Some might say it looks too real for a photograph because of such even lighting. I don't have any experience with blending, but will start learning very soon (just purchased CS4). Photography has advanced to where what you have done is possible. I have an extensive library of photos I can't do a thing with because the lighting was too tricky to produce a photograph to my liking. With some "modern" post production I could probably save a few of these shots and make some decent photographs. Basically, what I am saying is your photograph may not be "traditional", but it is a wonderful representation of the natural world. I like it. Not only is your post production well done, but the composition is great as well. Great job.

- DMP

I'd say this was a success. It looks very much like, "night" at the beach. I wanna hear about the blending and exposures you did though!

The white water resembles a hand of the ocean coming through the arch to take whatever photographer happens to be nearby. I don't see any evidense of blending, nice work on this one.

Hey, I know this spot! Wish I could have made the outing. Well... it doesn't look any different than the other starry night work you've done to my eyes. It has taken me a little while to adjust to the prominence of the stars in these dusk shots, but I'm really liking the mood it lends to these images. I'm really curious to see where you take this style of photography. Definitely works for me as presented.

Hey Floris, just lurking over here and thought I'd chime in on your shot. Simply put I think this is absolutely epic! Hands down one of my new favorites of your work.

I really like this Floris - the mood, color, comp, water and stars all come together for a well visualized and captured image. Also nicely balanced blend. I don't find it too disney, although I understand your concern which I sometimes have in bringing the color out as well.
Its always good to hear the story which goes along with making the image that you normally include.

Derek

Wonderful - however it came about. A in my book.

Sandy r

Thanks folks! It's growing on me... I think the hard processing just got me down.

Ben - I wish I could explain my blending methods here, but it was all trial and error, well, more so than usual. My main tool is the select color range tool, which when used properly (select multiple colors, set fuzziness, expand/feather post selection) can grab anything you want basically. The hardest part is edge processing to get rid of CA that is enhanced, and contrasts and weird stuff... I have plans (ie. half written) article on this and other stuff for NPN... I just need some time!!

Eric - Thanks! I just barely got here in time, damn LA traffic makes stuff like this an insane endeavor, but thanks to your directions I didn't lose any time Once there it was incredible to just sit next to the camera for an hour watching the waves crash through the arch and the stars start to appear. The arch actually is what made this possible by breaking the waves... otherwise I'd have lost the comp because rogue waves would've forced me to move (they came close!).

Nice work. Color, comp, processing are all good.