Hey Everyone,
It's been a while, and I'm out of practice, but I signed up for a Death Valley workshop with Guy Tal, so I'm trying to get back in shape for November. Here area few pictures taken on a recent hike to Jefferson Park. They have some obvious drawbacks given the "vacation" hike context: mid-day, jet trails, etc.
Nonetheless, I'm trying to get back in shape in the processing department. Which composition do you prefer and why? What would you change? What would make these more dynamic, more interesting?
Posted by Steve Kennedy on September 16, 2014 at 12:28 PM
First of all, I'm jealous of the workshop with Guy Tal. That should be a great experience, both from the location and a Guy Tal workshop. Have a great time!
All 3 are very different shots. I prefer the first shot, mainly because of the foreground. Also, the clouds look very unusual and cause me to think about it more. I like the composition with the foreground elements essentially outlining the shape of what should be the mountain's reflection if the water had been still.
What would I change? I would try to lighten up the trees and mountain a little by adding to the exposure (that might be bad for the highlights in the lake though), and add contrast to bring out more definition to the clouds.
The 2nd image has less movement in the water so the mountain has a better reflection, but the foreground isn't as pleasing to me. The clouds are also very interesting in how they divide the sky at the mountain peak. Again I would add a little exposure to lighten the mountain and trees and add contrast.
hi, Marylynne. Thanks for posting to PNWNP!
I too am jealous of your Death Valley workshop for the same reasons Steve is. oh! that should be productive and intense and a lot of fun. Good you're getting in shape for it!
These are all pleasing photos and I would be glad to bring any of them home. I like the 1st image the best because of the sense of depth to the landscape, the interesting clouds at the peak of the mtn, and the foreground elements that "ground" the view. I think it's worth it to rub out the jet contrail-- darn things! All of them could use some adjustment to bring some detail out among the trees. Many ways to do that, but I'll suggest lifting the shadows and brightening the lighter greens of the forest floor. I think that would help to draw my eye across the lake and up into the mtn. The 3rd image i like. too, for the shoreline leading into the mtn. Wish there was some more of the lovely blue in the water, but the reflection of the mtn helps.
Thanks, Steve and Catherine. Sorry it took so long to get back. For some reason, I'm not getting reply notifications. I'll play around with number 1 a bit more. I might have the stillness of #2 with a higher perspective and better framing with shoreline.
I am super-psyched about the workshop. I love his work and his writing, and I just want to get tuned up enough to make the most of it.
Discussion
8 repliesIt's been a while, and I'm out of practice, but I signed up for a Death Valley workshop with Guy Tal, so I'm trying to get back in shape for November. Here area few pictures taken on a recent hike to Jefferson Park. They have some obvious drawbacks given the "vacation" hike context: mid-day, jet trails, etc.
Nonetheless, I'm trying to get back in shape in the processing department. Which composition do you prefer and why? What would you change? What would make these more dynamic, more interesting?
All 3 are very different shots. I prefer the first shot, mainly because of the foreground. Also, the clouds look very unusual and cause me to think about it more. I like the composition with the foreground elements essentially outlining the shape of what should be the mountain's reflection if the water had been still.
What would I change? I would try to lighten up the trees and mountain a little by adding to the exposure (that might be bad for the highlights in the lake though), and add contrast to bring out more definition to the clouds.
The 2nd image has less movement in the water so the mountain has a better reflection, but the foreground isn't as pleasing to me. The clouds are also very interesting in how they divide the sky at the mountain peak. Again I would add a little exposure to lighten the mountain and trees and add contrast.
I too am jealous of your Death Valley workshop for the same reasons Steve is. oh! that should be productive and intense and a lot of fun. Good you're getting in shape for it!
These are all pleasing photos and I would be glad to bring any of them home. I like the 1st image the best because of the sense of depth to the landscape, the interesting clouds at the peak of the mtn, and the foreground elements that "ground" the view. I think it's worth it to rub out the jet contrail-- darn things! All of them could use some adjustment to bring some detail out among the trees. Many ways to do that, but I'll suggest lifting the shadows and brightening the lighter greens of the forest floor. I think that would help to draw my eye across the lake and up into the mtn. The 3rd image i like. too, for the shoreline leading into the mtn. Wish there was some more of the lovely blue in the water, but the reflection of the mtn helps.
I am super-psyched about the workshop. I love his work and his writing, and I just want to get tuned up enough to make the most of it.