Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.

Blue Basin in John Day

Discussion

5 replies
Posted by Kathryn Engle on June 2, 2010 at 1:09 AM
Blue Basin in John Day
Shot this in the early morning light.
D700, 24mm, f/22, ISO 200
C&C welcome as I am always learning and value your input.
Posted by Jared Atencio on June 2, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Kathryn, you asked for some C&C so here's a little of what I noticed. I like the foreground focus and the location looks like it def. has potential. As for some things I would change, I would actually stop down from F/22 as there appears to be some lens diffraction on the edges of the distant ridges. The nice diffused light is OK for the FG element, but doesn't add much interest to the rest of the image. I don't know where the sun is in relation, but I would've liked to wait and maybe get more light on the background. Something also looks a bit off with the WB as the image appears a little green to me. If you're looking to bring out the greens in the FG, a localized adjustment may be better to achieve that goal. Thanks for sharing, I'd like to see more from this location.
Posted by Kathryn Engle on June 2, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Thanks for the input. It is very helpful. Here I have it warmed up a bit, but it is still rather blue. It is a bluish-green claystone that gives it the name 'Blue Basin'. I have some later in the morning that may be better.
Posted by Dave Showalter` on June 2, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Looks like a cool area that I'd love to visit, Kathryn. I think this is one of those situations that without more light on the blue ridge, a more intimate approach may work better for you. And the FG foliage makes for a nice color contrast, but may not be the most flattering for your rugged background. Perhaps a blueish rock? Since you asked for input, I took the liberty of cropping your image and making a few minor adjustments in contrast and color. I'm no P'shop expert, but hopefully this gives you an alternate view to consider.
Posted by John Mumaw on June 2, 2010 at 5:55 PM
This has a lot of potential, but I'm afraid that the flat light is the reason that this just doesn't have a lot of resonance with me. A return trip is definitely warranted if that's in the cards for you.

I'd like to see what you got later in the morning, though.
Posted by Kathryn Engle on June 2, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Thanks all! This is very helpful. Let me get a posting in a bit on a later morning shot. :smile: