Moonrise Over The Mittens (View Larger)

This is a slightly different take from the other moonrise and Mittens

photographs. In all the B&Ws, I went for the more dramatic and moody

feeling than that of the color renditions. This just seems to be right

approach for these images. I converted the HDR in Lightroom, using the

color conversion sliders. I adjusted contrast, brightness, and added

gradients and used the adjustments brushes for dodging and burning.

The final adjustments were made in CS5 where I also added the selenium

toning.

Great picture

A mystical feel to the shot.  The B&W is a nice change from the super sat. version floating around out there.  There seems to be a little funkyness to the moon, maybe it's the dark outline apparent mostly on the bottom.  Not sure if this came about through software? but looks a little un-natural.  Otherwise, I like the deep shadows and the emphasis on the graphic naturel of the rock.

Seven all the way! Most impressive for me is the shiny rock on the right! Of course, that's not the only value of this beauty! Composition, mood, wonderful tones! Congratulations Leo!

Best regards!

PDE

This was converted from the HDR and I did add an Levels adjustment layer to the moon and darken the area around it to make it stand out more. I must have gotten a little sloppy if you are noticing something phony. I will have to revisit it and take into account eagle eyes such as yours. Thanks for the visit Harry and of course your comment.

Thank you!

Thank you very much for your kind words, Pierre.

You must have edited the area around the moon, because it looks fine to my eye.  I know the double rocks are the "classic" view, but I was really struck by your composition that had only one of the rocks plus the road below -- that was refreshingly different, and an excellent composition regardless of what had come before.

 

This is still the same image as before and I thought it was ready for publication, until Harry's comment. I don't see a real obvious flaw but I know Harry has a good eye, so I will have to look more closely. You are right about the double rocks being the standard, mainly because of Ansel's photograph of them. It was hard for me not to include them in one of my renditions but I also always try to find something different. I'm glad that you appreciated that effort. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Stephen.

Leo & Stephen - Just checked the moon again, larger view.  There is definately a dark, larger outline at around the 7 o'clock area.  Was noticeable to me, I would guess on a lager print it might be noticeable.  Non-photographers might not find it objectionable.  I hope I don't need to get my eye's checked!

This area has been shot many times, but I think you captured the beauty of this area... Excellent B&W, with complimentry contrast...

Bravo'

A wonderful capture of a special place.  I agree with the previous comments of this being a common shot...  but not often of this quality.  Love the black/white treatment,  adds to the mystery of the coming night.  

Now that you point it out, I do see what you mean. I will have to examine it in my PSD file. Thanks for having such a eagle eye Harry.

Your right, It has been shot many times by many people mainly because of its close access. I always try to do a little something different and I do appreciate your kind words.

Thank you for your kind words.

Love the mood of this image and the details are stunning.  Great capture at the perfect moment.

deb

Thank you deb for your kind words.