Repo of Palouse #4

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted June 28, 20162,357 views8 comments

Hi Folks,
Here is another image from the Palouse, this one featuring a lonely farm along a dirt road. The sky is not as dramatic as I was hoping for (waited for an hour or so), but the peacefulness of the setting ultimately seemed to suit the relatively calm skies. I'm interested in your thoughts on whether this one is engaging enough. I have 3 or so more to share from this area, so thoughts on how this compares to the previous three (here and in landscape) would also be appreciated.

Canon 5D3 with 24-105mm at 105mm
ISO 200, f/9, 1/1000s

Suggestions for processing, cropping, rating as "average" or below will all appreciated.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 28, 2016 at 9:45 PM

I like the version a lot, Marylynne. My favorite of the Palouse images you've posted so far. It's a peaceful, bucolic scene, and I like the flowering trees. I like the sky as well. I could see lightening the entire image just a bit.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on June 29, 2016 at 4:54 AM

I love the sombre and subtle tones and the fine textures of this landscape. It's beautifully composed with just enough light falling on the farm buildings and the nearby trees. The relatively quiet sky is no problem to my eye - a completely engaging image !!

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on June 29, 2016 at 11:17 AM

I love this very original rendition of the Palouse. It looks so surrealistic. The barn and trees look as though they don't belong there. As though placed on a carpet of green. That juxtaposition makes it interesting and thought provoking.

I would clone out that telephone pole and road on the left for sure. And I would perhaps experiment with different crops off the top and left to see how a larger barn relative to overall image works with the surreal motif.

Your most interesting image so far of this series. Nice work.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on June 29, 2016 at 12:58 PM

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement on this one. Here is a retouch. I did the following:
1. cropped a bit to make the barn bigger
2. brighten a bit overall
3. increased saturation and clarity (plus a tish of dehaze) in the barn
4. cloned out the road and power pole

Let me know if this hits the spot or whether more is needed.

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 29, 2016 at 9:36 PM

Marylynne, I think I actually prefer the original version even though I had suggested going a bit lighter overall. I like the sky color in the original, which conveyed more of a peaceful mood. If you were to print this, however, the lighter version may work better.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on June 30, 2016 at 10:57 AM

Thanks, Scott. There are a couple of changes that might have impacted your reaction to the repost. Is it the composition? Perhaps less sky is not better. I did another go-round, darkening the sky, but brightening the hillsides, increasing contrast there a bit too. I think this is the best of the three, but I'm eager for folks' thoughts. Also, if the new crop was a mistake, don't hesitate to say so.
ML

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on June 30, 2016 at 11:44 AM

From my perspective, the third (last) repost is the best. It's interesting how important that large cloud in the upper left is to the composition.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on June 30, 2016 at 6:40 PM

Thanks Igor. I considered cropping out that cloud, but it created a 50/50 pano, and I felt like the cloud helped the overall balance. I could go brighter on the fg if anyone thinks that's a good idea.

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments