Mount Saint Michel - Window

Thank you for your comments and ratings. Tom

Elegant composition.

I like the composition Tom and the exposure compensation in post processing has given the image an unusual grainy look that is a little reminiscent of fast film. I can’t help thinking though that this would be a great subject to play with multi-shot HDR processing. Doing so you would be able to retain more contrast and depth in the image and also perhaps keep more detail in the window (and possibly the world outside if it supports the image with out detracting from it).

 

All the best,

Mike

 

Mike: How's this, 3 exposures combined? Tom

A fine piece of work. Beautiful use of the architectural components. Nicely done!

i think the repost in the comments is a significant improvement in terms of recovering the detail in the window and downplaying texture to let the real strengths of the shot - shape, mass, and light - come through. excellent work.

Lovely Tom, but I know Mike's advice will probably be best...he's so great at giving help isn't he...still like this photo though....sincerely, Gail

Good composition, eventough it is very centered. It really wanted to be bracketed and then layered. The light coming in the window does a very nice job on the stones but the window is so bright that it kills the feeling. I like the vaulting above the window. - Charles

The revised image is better but still harsh. - Charles

Charles: Harsh? Please explain. Thank you Tom

The light coming through the windo is at the point of being blown out and is hard to look at. Tghus it kills some of the detail in the window ornamentation. i guess I would say it is a glare that makes it hard to see the rest of the picture because it grabs so much visual impact, eventhough it is the least important part of the shot. i have had a similar problem with some of my shots. I guess with an appropriate additional shot and some HDR work you could turn it into a positive. i know in the new version you combined 3 photos to get to the image which took it in the right direction. Maybe take the darkest of those shot and try pulling the exposure way down and then put the new window in place. i don't know if that will work, but you could try. - Charles

Charles: Thank you for your follow up comment. I'll try it this weekend and repost. Both photos were made from a single RAW file. I made the adjustments in Camera RAW and then combine the photo in PS. Tom

What a fantastic job Tom, this is really a superb photo, with a great composition; besides the light and colors infuse a soothing effect into a wonderful picture. Congratulations.

Personally I think the revised image is spot on, there is enough definition to see the lead in the window and enough illumination to see the surrounding beautiful stonework, a HDR version would certainly accentuate the image and maybe a slight increase in contrast might help, but overall I thinks it's aesthetically very pleasing and I really like it.

 

Regards

 

Alf

Alf: I was actually trying for HDR. You should have seen the original. Thank you for your comment. Tom

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Ok, this POW? I do not understand actually.
This shot needed to be done in HDR to have better control of the window light and lower noise. I also think it needs perspective correction and some distortion fixing. Framing wise maybe something difference. I would also add some micro contrast to give it more depth. My 2-cents.

Congratuations on a great shot, Tom. I remember seeing this one when it came up for critique.

I think that this version is better than the one done with more HDR. It has a natural look while still preserving great dynamic range.

I am glad to see your work finally being recognized. You have some real treasures.

--Lannie

I find the area around the window somewhat disturbing. The perspective seems off. The leases pieces between the panes are very blown out, and the surrounding window area too bright

The lack of perspective correction is disturbing. The amount of noise is excessive. The tonality is flat and boring. The window frame is blown out. The focus is soft. The relationship of shadow to highlight is unnatural, as in the worst HDR, without any of the expected benefits of HDR.
The composition is fine, albiet predictable.

Sure, a good HDR is the solution about details and high ISO noise... Personally I make HDR by hand. However this picture show a good geometry and beautiful texture...

I like the original image. Let's keep in mind that the window was originally intended not as a viewing station but as a light source - and in that image it is a light source and indeed looks like one too (even more so on a monitor vs a print!). with the massive walls looking massive and a light source looking like a light source - I think it's quite good.
I'm also not a big fan of HDR. It's popular and it's an intriguing technique but, like anything popular - it's over used. HDR turns everything into a video game image - spooky and surreal. If that's the goal, then good to go for it, but if you're trying to "capture" a bit of reality then HDR is goofy.

It is a beautiful image with wonderful lines and textures. Nicely done. Dan

I think the original is a fine photograph, with the strong window light it imparts it's own personality, related to the viewer's interaction with that light. The grain helps the textures in the stone. I sense a slight tilt to the left...

A fine picture. Still undecided about which version I prefer. To make it justice in HDR, you would need to shoot for HDR, at least 3 frames rather than use the one RAW file. It seems you have only one file. The noise looks like grain on High speed film indeed. Have you tried in Black and white? The noise would could be used to help set a mood. But then is there enough tonal range in the picture to make it a nice B & W?