Rocks Blended

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 12, 2010188 views10 comments

This is a new experience in image processing for me - an exposure blend in CS4. My processing skills have been limited to single images in Lightroom until recently, but this scene just begged for a different approach. The light in the central valley beyond Half Dome was great, and so was the light on the rock, but I wasn't able to get what I wanted from a single exposure. The scene evolved during the hour I watched the sun go down, but this image best captures what I remember. The light and subject were wonderful to experience, and it brought back memories of being on top of Half Dome with my sons and good friends. C&Cs always welcome.
D300s
Nikon 70-200 @200 (slightly cropped)

Edit note: Don't know what happened in the posting process but the sky got totally weird and sharpness is gone - more to learn I guess.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Bruce King on October 13, 2010 at 12:14 AM

Can't comment on the technical aspects of the processing, but I do like the composition. It seems like it lacks a little vibrance though and as you said it could be sharper. It has a lot of potential. If your anything like me it takes time to dial in new software.

Registered on January 14, 2010, 276 Posts, 2212 Comments

Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on October 13, 2010 at 10:04 AM

I like the different planes and angles. Nice shot.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on October 13, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I definitely like your composition and the overall muted color pallette. As for the blend, it looks pretty good except for that one bright spot on the left side of Half Dome - easily corrected. With just a bit more practive you'll have blending down cold. Nice shot.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on October 13, 2010 at 10:45 AM

Nice clean composition - I like how that lone tree on the right gives a sense of scale to it. Regarding the blend I can see a subtle halo around half dome.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on October 13, 2010 at 10:49 AM

Good you're getting to Yosemite before the Tioga Pass closes for the winter Russel. The angle and tiny tree only adds the 3D effect.

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on October 13, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Hi Russ,
I have no problem with the sky, it's a nice pastel background for the scene. The composition is beautiful I like the placement of the elements and the light is great. Excellent!

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on October 13, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Welcome to blending! It's a great way to spend way too much time, but get's addicting.

This has a nice pastel glow, and makes for a fresh look of Half Dome for me. I'm not sure if it is from contrast adjustment or the blend, but agree there is a bit of haloing to work on.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on October 13, 2010 at 4:06 PM

Great comp that really showcases all those great shapes and color variations. Exposure blend looks pretty good as well. Clean up that little haloing around the dome and possibly that little tree and enjoy a print. Nice work!

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on October 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Russell,

Fabulous job of handling the light and processing. While I like the colors of your previous version, the light here is processed much better overall and you've done very well to pull out the range here. Even the processing allows that lone tree to stand out. Nice work.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on October 14, 2010 at 8:08 PM

Excellent detail in the rockface. A little work on the mentioned halo and you're there.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments