Fiery dunes

The Namibian dunes are spectacular, but are the these colors

believable? Shooting during the "golden hours" can give almost

surrealistic landscapes, but this is really how it came out with very

minor adjustments - from RAW in ACR vibrance +15; Saturation +3 and

then in PS just levels and sharpening. All comments welcomed.

I think, Rick, that the Nambian desert is a fairly surreal environment to begin with. The lack of moisture in the air gives an intense clarity to the light, and you get different colors as a result. I don't find the colors unbelievable, but I can't say I've ever been there either. One noticible flaw to me is the lack of space above the dune. I find it a bit too crowded. Change that and you've got a real winner I think.

All the best,
Neil

You make a good point Neil - I think I chose the composition as shown to try and retain the immense height of the dune. The aspect with a WA lens tends to diminish the background in favour of the foreground. However, I tried extending the sky (easier said than done with the subtle shading!) - but you are right, the composition is improved and the dune still looks quite imposing. A useful lesson, thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers, RickDB

With your change this has become a first class image.

Jerry

The adjustment does make a very big difference, it comes down to that golden rule of thirds. The dune is very much the subject rather than the textured foreground - a case of not seeing the dunes for the sand! Cheers, RickDB

Awesome image Rick.  The colors here are amazing.  I love the contrast between the cool tones in the sky and the warm tones in the dunes.  The repost with more space above the dune is much better since it gives some "breathing room" at the top of the frame.  This is especially important if you plan to frame this image...you should definitely frame this one!

I agree with all that's been said regarding the space at the top. This is a superb piece of photography with textures and colouring at a premium...Bravo!

very beautiful scene...

really outstanding

Hey, fellow pilot. Yes Rick, the space above the dune makes it perfect.  Those colors are incredible.  Very nice work.

Excellent shot, updated composition even better...

Amazing place, great picture - definitely improved with the added headroom.