On the Way

Any comments and ratings will be much appreciated.

Was this manipulated at all? I love look of the clouds and the movement of the tree on the right. The nice tan contrasts against the blue gradient sky works really nicely.

cool!

Excellent composition.

Excellent shot, beautiful sky

First, let me say that I really like this photo. The reason I viewed it was that, just judging from the thumbnail, I thought that it should have higher ratings than it does. But...

 

Now I think I see why it's not rated higher. It really looks like it's been severely edited. The biggest problem is the dark outline of the tree - a telltale sign of a digital composite of two exposures, one for the sky and one for the foreground. I don't have a problem with that at all, but, if this is indeed what you have done, you might want to spend some more time in photoshop.

Thanks very much to all of you for commenting on this photo. I really appreciate your time.

The photo was shot in RAW format and therefore post-processing was mandatory as you can judge from the plain converted original RAW file. In fact you are right Aaron, the photo is a composite of two conversions of the RAW file having different setting for ?exposure?. Not that I am sure, that I really needed to make a composite here. However, I am not sure either that I can see any dark outline of the tree if I have understood you right. Mainly, I have made adjustments of levels, curves, and some selective saturation especially of the green tree and the grass. Also some use of the dodge tool and the clone tool. My intension was to more or less recreate my original perception of the landscape. Of course there is always a risk of overdoing the Photoshop work and the balance can be delicate. Again, thanks for thoughtful critique.

Kind regards, Michael

It's not a hard outline, and most people that haven't actually used your technique in photoshop probably wouldn't be able to identify it. But, I think most people would probably be able to tell you played some cards that you weren't dealt. The outer leaves of the tree - the ones that protrude into the sky, are definitely darker than the rest of the tree. Also, the clouds seem just a little too contrasty.

 

Once again, I really like the photo. And I like the direction you took on editing. I just think it needs some more careful work in Photoshop.

Aaron, thanks for taking time to explain. Now, I see what you mean and I agree. However, I am pretty sure that the reason why the leaves are darker near the sky are lack of saturation. I have simply not been careful enough with my use of the saturation brush in PSP. To my experience, the usual and very annoying problem with double exposure composites is a light halo e.g. against the sky. Anyway, it pleases me that you basically like the picture. Cheers, Michael

As a long time photoshop user, I think your work on this photo is excellent. Like most of us in the world....we look more at the entire image...and less at details that only the pros would see. What you achieved...looking at the original raw file (you had to work with)....is beautiful. Great image.

William, Thanks very much for your comment. I am glad you think so.

Cheers, Michael