Clearing Storm over Ama Dablam

extremely fortunate indeed. this captures the raw beauty and awe inspiring power of mountains. just awesome!

Magnificent Mike, The mountain rising out of the cold, darkness of night, is bathed in morning's golden light. That's what comes to my mind. Love it.

?EXCELLENT!

one of the most fascinating! it will haunt me forever! regards!

photo ?

 

excellent image with timly captured colour and light

Such thing happen in the Himalayas (as you described); I really appreciate you work but I have a feeling that this shot (as many other) is overdone in PS;

Lukasz,

 

This is virtually identical to the original RAW file. I did very little PS adjustment here (minor dodging of the ridge on the right, the lower cloud and removal of dust). This was simply an amazing natural light show enhanced by misty high altitude air and dark clouds over my head. Here's the RAW file for comparison.

 

-Mike

It is very helpful and reassuring to see the original RAW photo. I also had sometimes some questionmarks about the level of digital processing of your photos. You did an excellent job with minimum adjustment, based on an amazing scenery and light. One question I have: In the RAW photo there is something like gold dust in front of the left mountain. In your processed version it is significantly reduced. How did you do this? Is this what you mean when you say dust removal? Thanks for your reply. And thanks for your overwhelming comment on my portfolio. Such comment from a photographer like you is indeed encouraging. Karl

Karl,

 

I think I remember doing a slight highlight burn on the left side mist. The dark dust spots are on the image sensor and can be seen in the sky to the left and right of the peak (and were removed for the posted image in PS). I appreciate your comments and have to say that I am amazed at your Himalaya portfolio. I visit it once a week to look at your newest shots. You've seen so many incredible places and documented the scenery and everyday life so well. Your work is an inspiration for me to capture more of the human element of these amazing places. I love the way your images tell a story.

 

-Mike

Mike,

 

thanks for the original file. It cleared my doubts, however I am still curious about the contrast level between the peaks and almost black sky. I have just came back from the Himalayas and I have never seen such a contract - always the sky was blue (dark blue or even very dark blue) - never almost black.

Anyway, like your images, the technical aspect, composition and ability to capture lovely light.

Regards,

 

Lukasz

Lukasz,

 

The sky is dark for two main reasons. The alpenglow on the peaks was really intense, and I moved a reverse 3 stop graduated neutral density filter over that area to keep the highlights from blowing out, but allow detail to show through in the lower part of the mountain. So rather than the bottom of the mountain being black and the sky dark blue, the sky has become nearly black. I personally like the effect although it is more black than reality. There is a large black cloud directly over my head which is enhancing the 'black' sky. I hope that this clears up any questions. Feel free to send me an e-mail if you have more questions. BTW, I saw your image of Everest and I think it is outstanding!

 

-Mike

Exactly the type of images I love.

The light and composition perfectly render the beauty of these majestic mountains.

 

Samuel

OMG, this is powerful! Unending compliments.

Thanks to let us see this wonderfull photograph of one of the more beautifull peak of the world. Maybe y will go to see this from bymyself in the future. Maybe one day I will go to climb it. Thanks again

This is one of my favourites photo on the web, by one of my favourites photographers!!

 

well done Mich