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Dunes tree + Repost

Discussion

16 replies
Posted by Pam Colander on July 24, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Dunes tree + Repost
The last couple of times I've gone to the Sand Dunes, I have eye-balled this tree. Yesterday we were in the area so we hung around 'til sunset to shoot this guy. This is a three image blend put together in the latest version of Photomatix. I would really appreciate a good critique of this since I'd like to make a plaque of it.
Posted by Mark Nobles on July 24, 2011 at 6:29 PM
This worked for me right away. Very nice comp and a very natural blend, a real keeper! Nice work Pam.
Mark
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 24, 2011 at 6:37 PM
Sunstar..great! Light on the tree...great! Light play on the grasses..Great! Composition...Great! :toast:
Posted by Todd Caudle on July 24, 2011 at 7:12 PM
This is spectacular, Pam! The blend is perfect, but the artistry on you part is the real star of the show. Good thing you hung around for sunset.
Posted by John Mumaw on July 24, 2011 at 7:24 PM
I love how the tree 'reaches' out toward the sunstar, and I especially like the muted HDR treatment. This is how all HDR images should look, IMO. Excellent composition, too. You might consider cloning out the tiny stray branches at the top.
I find the blown out area of the sun to be pretty distracting, though. Almost wish you had included a much more underexposed shot to compensate for it.
Posted by Angela Classen on July 24, 2011 at 7:47 PM
The overexposed sun does draw the eye. However, your comp is awesome! I love the warm glow on the tree trunk and grasses.
Posted by Dan Walters on July 24, 2011 at 8:39 PM
Like the sunburst and the warm light hitting the side of the tree. Really makes it pop out.
Posted by David Bartlett _CO on July 24, 2011 at 10:09 PM
This image is spot-on! Great sunburst and warmth and composition.
Posted by Dean Sauskojus on July 25, 2011 at 2:12 AM
You did a nice job with this one Pam. It looks very natural. I love the nice glowing light and the character of the tree. Nice work.
Posted by Don Grall on July 25, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Superb use of HDR tecniques. I do think the tree would look more natural though if it were a bit darker and contrastier.
Posted by Pam Colander on July 25, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Thanks SO much for the excellent feedback everyone! I have made some adjustments based on your suggestions and have thrown it in the Landscape gallery for further evaluation. You can also see a larger version of it there :smile:
Posted by James H Egbert on July 25, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Lovely, I love the composition of this :toast:
Posted by Kurt Bowman on July 25, 2011 at 3:27 PM
Pam, this looks great to me! LOVE the comp on this one. The tree is fantastic and the sunset really adds to the creepiness of the tree IMO.
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on July 25, 2011 at 6:43 PM
I like this quite a bit Pam. Great thinking on the comp.
Posted by Morris McClung on July 26, 2011 at 7:54 PM
I commented on the Landscape gallery, but still wanted to say again how much Iike the comp and processing.
Posted by Pam Colander on July 27, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Aw, thanks for the double comment Morris. This repost is utilizing the suggestions made. It certainly knocked the sunstar down several notches! Thanks for your valuable help, I've learned a lot with this!
Posted by Howard Cihak on July 27, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Pam, your re-do looks gorgeous. You've captured an outstanding composition.