Rocky Sunset

Taken off the small rocks near Tokeland Wa. For some reason, since i reformatted my computer and added everything back in, when i go to view, proof colors, they dull out and they never use to before, so i had to up the saturation about 22% to make it look as close as i could to what i saw. I think i got a little more light off the rocks then before, maybe saturated too much, anyway, your comments and critiques are appreciated.

It doesn't look too saturated to me, but the processing feels a little flat, like you tried to open up the shadows too much. I can't quite put my finger on it. I think the sky could be a little darker. The sun is quite a blank spot there, but there isn't much you can do about it in that situation.

I do love the light off the rocks and the water movement and the overall comp..

Hmmm. Definitely not looking over saturated on my end - in fact looks like it could use some more (or better yet, Vibrance). After reformatting your computer did you run a new calibration on your monitor and make sure the computer is using the correct profile?

On the other hand, I think the composition is excellent and you used just the right shutter speed for the foreground water.

Ditto, the saturation could even go a bit more. Great comp Cliff!

I'm enjoying the colors you've got here, Cliff. They are subtle but soothing to me. This shot has the feeling of a pleasantly warm day in the middle of a PNW winter.

If I could suggest anything for improvement, I might try and work on some selective contrast adjustments; especially to the water texture. I see a lot of detail in there that is waiting to be brought out by some careful curves adjustments and masking. Nothing drastic- just enough to separate the specular highlights from the foam and whitewater.

Thanks for the comments, i didnt recalibrate the monitor, ill try that. And will give the curves and masking adjustments.

The saturation looks fine.. nice comp.

Cliff, I really like the comp. I think a little darker in the sky and a little lighter in the foreground would make this pop. FWIW, my quick and dirty way of achieving that would be to use the square selector, select the sky, down to the water, feather the selection by 250px, then apply a curves adjustment to the sky, darkening it up. Then I'd inverse the selection and apply a curves adjustment to the foreground to lighten it up... Looking forward to seeing your repost.

Thanks David for the lesson, i'm still pretty ignorant with ps, just the basics. Will try that later.

I like it, but, dang, it's been done to death! The bottom third has some nice shapes and light....