Magical Sunset

Still a work in progress but getting there. This was right at sunset in the kiva. Thoughts? Because of the frame you will need to click on the larger image...sorry!

Ah yes, I like this one a lot better Jack. Look at that Candlestick Tower! Just a beautiful scene. Classic comp too. Just a tad bit of the HDR feel, however reducing the Cyan should help.

I really like the composition but I agree that there is an "HDR feel". Also, based on the placement, angle, and direction of the sunlight, shouldn't the rock formation/hill on the right side of the photo be much darker? It is showing the shadow side and wouldn't naturally be showing this much illuminated detail. I think the same would apply for the foreground around the kiva itself. The sky is great and the shading/shadow on the rock shelf above the kiva looks very good.

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA

Magical indeed. Can't wait to get home and view this one on a large calibrated monitor! I can't really comment on the processing because my teensy monitor at work is not in the same universe as callibrated.

One of the best I've even seen of this site. Do not agree with the HDR comments....looks fine the way it is. Excellent work.
Joe Rogers

I like this the best of those you have posted so far. This seems a little too blue in the rock though.
Also, there seems to be too much of a difference between the far valley and the right side rock wall n alcove such that the distance does not match, at least to my eyes. I can't decide if it's brightness, contrast, sharpness or ???

Really nice, Jack!! I think if you brighten the sky just a tiny bit, that will take care of the HDR issue (it looks pretty close to me). There also seems to be an 'edge' issue on the rock in the top lhc. Terrific job.

Easily the best one from your recent posts. Love the sweeping roofline of the alcove on the left, along with the gorgeous sunset.
Doug's comments ring true for me. I think that darkening the mesa on the right would take care of those issues while also providing a bit more separation between it and the interior of the alcove.
I'd be thrilled to have this one in my gallery!

They just keep getting better Jack, great work! I'd agree with darkening the mesa on the right.

Yup, reduce the bluish-magenta of all the terrain beyond the alcove and deal with a little bit of halo issue low on the close-in ridge that sweeps upper right to low center, just above where it meets the kiva, and it's pretty near perfect. Or, you can not change anything and STILL have one awesome shot!

es great shot!

While it's a bit more traditional than your other two, I like this kiva shot the best. Doesn't appear too HDR-ish to me, though Todd's assessment of the color balance also describes my feelings on this image. Add a little more yellow and I think the color will look fantastic.

A magical sunset indeed! Very nice! I agree with some of the comments that it looks a bit HDR-ish, but that's just my personal taste, I would prefer a more natural look with all the mid-ground landforms about half or a third less bright as they are now. Anyhow, it's a great shot.