Thien Cung Cave 2

Another shot from Thien Cung Cave in Ha Long Bay this one is a single

exposure (not HDR). Your comments and suggestions are always

welcome and appreciated. Thank you for viewing - michel

interesting and beautiful place...good shot...congrats

Interesting photo, but a bit too much post processing, It looks unnatural.

Another super image Michel.

Rich.

Interesting shot Michel, very unusual. It must have been facinating to see this with your own eyes. 

Are these natural colours or did you saturate them?

Best wishes,

Linda

Hi Linda and thanks for your comment and your interest.  Those are pretty natural colors as far as i captured them (i may have boosted the vibrance and saturation in the processing), but it must be said that the colors are caused by a complex set of gelled lights in the cave, a little like a light show. Without the colored lights the walls and ceilings would be pretty much gray.  This is the reason i had to take these images with long exposures, a flash would have overpowered the lights and colors. Thanks again for your visit and interest. Regards - michel

So my question about your other image is answered.  There are lights.  No matter.  It still makes incredible photography!  Your HDR was outstanding, but you can see the detail in the cave better on this one.  They're both great!

Thank you for your visit Christal.   I find in general that HDR processing tends to soften the image a little and if you try to sharpen it, it looks awful.  This is a different process, only one shot, long exposure processed in CS5 with Topaz Adjust to bring out the details and colors.  Thanks again for your visit and kind words.  

A superb shot of this fascinating cave Michel! Excellent detail in the spectacular formations, and the colored lighting makes for an eye catching image. Thanks for sharing the images of this remarkable place.

All the best,
Neil

EXCEPTIONAL DETAILS - CANDY FOR THE EYE WHICH THE COLOR MAKES EVEN MORE PALATABLE. Congrats on a very fine image!

Thank you Neil and Tony for your visit and kind words.

Neil: I'm sorry for the late reply. This is a truly fascinating place. The cave goes on forever and they have done a superb job at lighting it in a truly spectacular way. Worth the visit if ever you pass by Ha Long bay (which has recently been singled out as a strong candidate for the 7 natural wonders of the world)

Tony: Thanks for your kind words. I processed this single exposure with Topaz Adjust to reveal the details.

Regards always - michel