Posted by Rohn B. McKee on October 24, 2011 at 7:16 PM
First light City of Rocks National Reserve
ISO 100, f/16, 1/5, -.33ev, 35 mm
This is a challenging composition and techs. for an inexperienced Photographer. I learned, even with the extra work of hiking in the dark to a good spot, ya still have to make the photo. I'll keep working at it.
All alone up here guys, I would appreciate your comments.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 24, 2011 at 7:37 PM
Looks like a very interesting area from which we don't see much posted.
Yes, the contrast range is rather extreme. Light colored rocks in direct sun, combined with lots of shadow areas!
How about trying again on a slightly overcast day?
If you want to work in this light, do you have a range of exposures that could be blended?
In general, I prefer manual blends over automated HDR software.
If you want to work with a single exposure, then I've found the NIK software to be the easiest for making complex local changes.
In post processing there are countless ways to reach a goal.
If you let us know what software you are using, it would help us direct your efforts.
As is, I would crop this image much tighter to minimize, but not eliminate, the darker framing rocks.
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on October 24, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Cropped Tighter
Posted by Mel Ladewig on October 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM
I really like the weirdness factor of this landscape, so for me it pays to pull back a little but crop out that little bit of sky in the first shot. As for technical, I think you've done a pretty good job of keeping the tones within reach. You could probably bring the highlights and shadows a bit closer on a wide latitude color neg film like Portra 160, but I don't think this is a major problem.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM
I prefer the tighter crop. I think you did well considering the light you had to work with here.
And it's nice to see some images from the great state of Idaho here.
I really like the repost Rohn! I've seen a lot of climbing shots from City of Rocks, but it's nice to see someone trying some pure landscape there. It sure looks like a place with lots of potential, especially with the aspens. It does look like the kind of place where the light would be challenging though, and you handled the exposure pretty well here.
Discussion
6 repliesISO 100, f/16, 1/5, -.33ev, 35 mm
This is a challenging composition and techs. for an inexperienced Photographer. I learned, even with the extra work of hiking in the dark to a good spot, ya still have to make the photo. I'll keep working at it.
All alone up here guys, I would appreciate your comments.
Yes, the contrast range is rather extreme. Light colored rocks in direct sun, combined with lots of shadow areas!
How about trying again on a slightly overcast day?
If you want to work in this light, do you have a range of exposures that could be blended?
In general, I prefer manual blends over automated HDR software.
If you want to work with a single exposure, then I've found the NIK software to be the easiest for making complex local changes.
In post processing there are countless ways to reach a goal.
If you let us know what software you are using, it would help us direct your efforts.
As is, I would crop this image much tighter to minimize, but not eliminate, the darker framing rocks.
And it's nice to see some images from the great state of Idaho here.
Keep 'em coming!