Moon Over Zion

A shot taken early in the morning as I was heading to the Canyon Overlook

just before the tunnel. Let me know what you think of the composition,

and processing. I tried to maintain enough detail in the rocky foreground,

but at the same time keep the foreground somewhat silhouetted against

the early morning sky.

I would have given up on the detail in the rock, but I think you're wise to try to include some.  If I had been standing here, I know my eyes would be able to see some detail, probably more that you're showing here (although I don't trust my monitor at the moment).  I know it is a very delicate balance between showing detail and keeping this as a twilight photograph -- too much detail will have it looking like a daylight shot.

I tried this on my own monitor by selecting and lightening the rock in one layer, then doing a gradient blend with the original layer so that the outermost rock remained relatively bright (still within the realm of possibility for this time of day) but fading down to the original dark in the lower corner.  One could try many variations on this.

I also tried a 4:5 crop, putting the upper edge where I thought it should go above the moon and letting the lower edge fall where it may in the 4:5 ratio.  The result was some cropping of the sky, but I thought it was o.k.

I don't like to do this, but I'll attach the version I was working on with my monitor; it may look different on yours.  The only difference really is a bit more light on the rocks and a different aspect ratio.  I think it still looks like twilight, and that's the heart of your photograph.  This is the best time of day to be out -- while nearly everyone else is wasting the moments by sleeping.  Look at what they miss!

Paul, 

 I almost never favor a square crop, but I think I would recommend it here.  Your real dynamic visual action is between the moon and the trees - the long plunge down the right side of all that blue sky is distracting.

Jerry

Thanks Stephen and Jerry.  I am posting a square crop that Jerry suggested.  I also lightened the rocks slightly as Stephen suggested.

Often there is a photo within a photo, and a crop will bring it out.  Your edit more strongly concentrates on the moon and the rocks, but it removes the clue that told the viewer this was a significant cliff.  The rectangular format will often suggest movement within the frame (in this case up and down), while the square format is usually much more neutral.  It's nice to have a choice.

Hi Stephen.  You are so right about the square crop not providing the contest of the tall cliff in which these trees cling to for life.  I like both versions, each for what they do.  It is nice to have the latitude to play with composition, and I have you to thank for that.  I usually tend to process and image, and then figure I am done with it, but that is a limiting attitude.  Take care, my friend.

Very nice, and lover the cropped one even better.  Best regards,

Thank you Wanghan.  I am really not sure which version I like the best, but as Stephen said, at least I have choice!  Take care.