Two questions I'd like to ask regarding this image, but first, a quick explanation: went on a camping trip with men (dads & sons) from our church over to Dogtown Reservoir & Campground, just a few miles south of Williams, AZ. We were near the east side of the water which seemed to be a good spot if there was decent light at sunset and a placid lake, which both happened. At the water's edge were some interesting objects for the composition but the interesting thing is that the water was so low, I wouldn't have this spot available at any other time of the year, there should be 6 feet of water where I'm standing.
ANYWAY, two questions: 1), does the image have enough interest or is it too cliche? It's OK to say that it is, I truly want feedback. And 2), if I decide to pop this into a Gallery, is it Landscape or M&N? It's a reservoir so I'm assuming it's man-made.
Tech data: 20mm on a FF, f14, seven exposures smooshed together with Photomatix,then PS CS6 for standard USM/Sat/Curves plus a bit of Nik Viveza2 in spots, all so it wouldn't LOOK like I used Photomatix, lol.
If it matters, 5D2, 16-35mm/2.8, no filters, taken about 7:40pm and I was wearing white socks and I think I used Colgate toothpaste that morning.
That is a beautiful shot, Paul! Great color, and you did a great job on the sky making it look perfectly natural in it's color and brightness. And, that ain't easy with a sky this good. The comp is also done very well with lines leading my eye to the horizon, mountain, and sky giving it nice depth. The large version with the mid-gray background reveals enough detail in the shadows for me.
This could go in the Landscape gallery, because it shows "no visible hand of man."
The only thing I could suggest different would be the reflection is very slightly brighter than the sky, but one has to look very closely to even see that, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
And, thanks for the all the "details" on the shot.
Excellent sunset you captured, and you showcased it very well with the composition you chose.
This does not look 'Photomatixed' in the least.
Excellent work, but you simply have got to do something about those white socks!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 25, 2012 at 11:05 PM
I like the log leading into the lake. There seems to be some haloing above the trees, but it could be from compressseion of the high contrast with the sky. Did the kids catch some trout?
Posted by Jeff Hackett on July 26, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Looks pretty good to me. Yeah cliche, but beautiful so who cares!
Posted by Paul DeCesare on July 27, 2012 at 12:04 PM
lol, thanks Jeff!
Doug, the water was low, murky and warm, those trout were out in center and down at the bottom, no action at all. I think a few panfish were caught but that was it. A few of the dads/sons drove back to Williams to the little Santa Fe dam that's right at the edge of town, and there was some trout success there. A few ended up on the grill if I remember correctly!
Discussion
8 repliesANYWAY, two questions: 1), does the image have enough interest or is it too cliche? It's OK to say that it is, I truly want feedback. And 2), if I decide to pop this into a Gallery, is it Landscape or M&N? It's a reservoir so I'm assuming it's man-made.
Tech data: 20mm on a FF, f14, seven exposures smooshed together with Photomatix,then PS CS6 for standard USM/Sat/Curves plus a bit of Nik Viveza2 in spots, all so it wouldn't LOOK like I used Photomatix, lol.
If it matters, 5D2, 16-35mm/2.8, no filters, taken about 7:40pm and I was wearing white socks and I think I used Colgate toothpaste that morning.
This could go in the Landscape gallery, because it shows "no visible hand of man."
The only thing I could suggest different would be the reflection is very slightly brighter than the sky, but one has to look very closely to even see that, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
And, thanks for the all the "details" on the shot.
This does not look 'Photomatixed' in the least.
Excellent work, but you simply have got to do something about those white socks!
Doug, the water was low, murky and warm, those trout were out in center and down at the bottom, no action at all. I think a few panfish were caught but that was it. A few of the dads/sons drove back to Williams to the little Santa Fe dam that's right at the edge of town, and there was some trout success there. A few ended up on the grill if I remember correctly!