The Windows (2)

Taking the track that surrounds the windows, one is rewarded by abetter preserved, more natural look of the place.

Thanks for looking.

Yes, this one looks far more natural and unspoiled. I also like the inclusion of the foreground vegetation Lots of nice detail sharpness. I would be tempted to manipulate the sky a bit though and try to darken it, adding a touch more drama perhaps.

Best Regards

Alf

I totally agree with Alf.  One of the things i do on my D300 is to check the histogram (and flashing lights) which would tell me immediately whether I had lost shadow or highlight info.

I set my picture control to neutral (instead of standard or vivid) and it seems to allow the D300 to better handle dynamic range. Something I discovered quite accidentally. One day I had the camera on the tripod shooting a scene and the PCtrl was neutral and there were no flashing lights.I switched to "standard" and then to "vivid" as part of my experimentation.

I discovered that both the standard and the vivid settings gave me 'flashing lights' indication that I had lost some highlight info.

I notice that you are using spot meter reading.   I usually have it set on 'matrix' metering but if "spot" works for you, then there is no need to change.

Tibi,I like a lot this image and way is composed.Me too I think that this need a more dramatic sky to have a strong contrast with this splendid nature monument,so I did(if is ok for you) a version and I this this is in the idea of comments did here,what do you think?

my best regards as always

A beautiful composition with very nice lighting, Tibi!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Alf,

Indeed darkening the sky would have been a possibility (and our friend Radu shows such a variant here. The reason I did not do it is that I had in mind the feeling of that day - though cloudy but luminous.

Tony,

Thanks for the detailed advice. Also, I like that the exif info that I do not remove from my shots is not lost on you. I think it is useful and I personally also often look up what settings others are using.

Radu,

Thanks, I like your variant, it is indeed an option to add some drama. As I explained to Alf above, I opted for the lighter version to go with the memory of a bright day and rosy stone. It is a matter of intent.

Ruud,

Thanks for the supporting comment.

Tibi,Is true what you said and I think that so as it is in your uploaded photo was that moment in reality,I respect your decision.Is possible to create a stronger impact with PS but this doesn't mean is real,just good looking,so depend of our emotions or mood to did different things.My best regards and good light for more nice photos.