Posted by Kipp Schoen on October 15, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Headed up to Dream Lake last weekend to try to take advantage of the early snow before the lake freezes. Got some interesting weather on Friday morning when the weather broke for a short time just after sunrise. The blowing/falling snow gave some nice colors. Went back on Sunday as well hoping for some fresh snow. Will post an image from that day as well. Didn't get any new snow but got some calmer conditions and reflections. Even though Dream Lake is frequently photographed, I still find it a fun place to shoot. Comments/ critiques welcome. Kipp
Posted by Kipp Schoen on October 15, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Here is the shot from Sunday. Kipp.
Posted by Joseph Kayne on October 15, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 15, 2009 at 11:55 PM
I like the first one much more than the second, which looks brown to me. Almost looks like a sepia-toned b&w, but not in a good way. Comp is excellent, though.
Posted by Kipp Schoen on October 16, 2009 at 12:01 AM
I see that too Todd, I should probably try a little shift in the color balance to improve that. I pulled it up on Photoshop and it doesn't have as strong of a sepia tone as the JPEG, but it is still there. The first one wasn't quite as stong in the pink/red sky pre-JPEG either. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it. Kipp
Posted by Bret Edge on October 16, 2009 at 12:06 AM
That first one is SAH-WEET! Beautiful comp, gorgeous colors and an interesting mix of elements. The second one, as Todd pointed out, is a bit too sepia/brown.
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 16, 2009 at 12:41 AM
The first one, well I would say it is AWESOME! Perfect comp and lead in. Wish I could have been standing next to you on this one.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 16, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Interesting weather, alright! Was it a tough hike?
I like both of these very much for different reasons. Love the reflection in #2!
With #2, try a simple AutoColor fix in PS, or click on the log right next to the letter 'K' with a grey eyedropper, then reduce opacity to taste.
Posted by Kurt Rinne on October 16, 2009 at 7:53 AM
Kipp these are both beautiful, love the colors in the first and the dreamy reflection in the 2nd.
Posted by Scott Bacon on October 16, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Nice color is an understatement! #1 is sooooper nice!!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 16, 2009 at 10:25 AM
The clouds and diffuse light certainly make #1 my favorite.
I prefer the foreground and great reflection in #2, but the higher contrast leaves much less detail in the trees and snow. It's a great shot, until you place it next to #1.
Posted by Kipp Schoen on October 16, 2009 at 10:36 AM
John, thanks for the suggestion, I will try those things in Photoshop. I worked a bit with the color balance last night, but never got it quite to a point I was happy with. Kipp.
Posted by Jack Brauer on October 16, 2009 at 12:29 PM
That first one is I think my favorite shot I've ever seen from there! Really awesome!
Posted by Jesse Speer on October 16, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Very fresh take on a familiar scene. The combo of snow, great light and open water gave you some dynamic conditions. Excellent work. The use of the blend (or grad) has darkened some of the tree tops - a minor nit, but still distracting (and probably only for a photographer!).
Posted by Paul Wegemann on October 16, 2009 at 1:38 PM
#1 is fantastic! I like the comp and reflection on #2, but not the color. How about B&W on that one?
Posted by Art Escobado on October 16, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Great usage of the lake in the first image with a composition that's the first I've seen done this way-and of course excellent color!
For web presentation a sharper image would ratchet up the impact.
Winner. When I see "Dream Lake" I think "here we go again! But this one might be the best one Ive seen. Awesome shot. Must have been fun!!!!
Posted by Morris McClung on October 16, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Both are excellent shots, with the first one having wonderful light and color, and the second one with it's reflection. It does seem to need a little color work. The first one is made special by the clouds and light.
Posted by Don Grall on October 16, 2009 at 10:42 PM
#1 is one of the best Dream Lake shots I've ever seen! Plain awesome! That said, non-photographers would probably pick #2 as their favorite because of the fantastic reflection.
Discussion
23 repliesI like both of these very much for different reasons. Love the reflection in #2!
With #2, try a simple AutoColor fix in PS, or click on the log right next to the letter 'K' with a grey eyedropper, then reduce opacity to taste.
I prefer the foreground and great reflection in #2, but the higher contrast leaves much less detail in the trees and snow. It's a great shot, until you place it next to #1.
For web presentation a sharper image would ratchet up the impact.