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I am a serious hobbyist trying to improve. I always appreciate any

comments or ratings you provide. I respect all opinions, both good

and bad, and try to learn from them.

I will reciprocate.

Thanks. Have fun shooting.

A very good sunset photo, Dave.  When I saw the thumbnail all I focused on on was the lovely colors.  And, then I opened it and saw the pelican flying across.  This is a really good image.  I like it a lot.

You appear to have skillfully combined two well-captured images and you fully disclose the fact that it has been digitally manipulated. I'm not sure I can articulate my difficulty with the result but here goes. When digital images are altered and combined in a manner that results in image that has an artistic style of its own, I tend to be receptive to such alterations although some are more appealing to me than others (i.e. - Dr. Brosnihan & Christine Von Whatever - two that I like). On the other hand, when two photo-realism images are combined in an effort to produce an enhanced image that essentially remains as photo realism, I usually struggle with result largely because I can't fathom how the image could have been captured as it appears even if all the elements had somehow magically aligned themselves to be captured as single image.  Then again, perhaps my real struggle with this image is that my Photoshop skills are not advanced enough to even attempt something like this Thanks for a stimulating image. GJ

excellent sunset image perfect execution regards gerolamo

I think Jim expressed his feelings well, and I kind of agree with a lot of what he has said.

I think the landscape without the pelican would have worked very well on its own. The silhouette of the guy on the rocks fishing maybe? And the great sunset holds enough interest for me.

The introduction of the Pelican changes the image to something a bit more surreal, not necessarily in a negative way either, but one which I find difficult to balance.

I am left wondering if a more surreal background would accomodate the pelican better. Something like the same scene with a long exposure, smooth water and perhaps motion blur of the figure.

You continue to experiment and push the boundaries and that is to be applauded!

Best Regards

Alf

You are beginning with surreal montages Dave? Very good start!

Best regards

PDE

Thanks to Bill J Boyd , GungaJim Downs , Gerolamo Romano, Alf Bailey, and

Pierre Dumas. You all gave me a good perspective on this piece. I am, as Pierre asked, starting to experiment with digital alterations. I did not intend to go all the way to surrealism, but something in between real and surrealism. I was not sure myself what I really intended before I started. So what I ended up with was a muddle as a couple of you rightly indicated. Some of you saw it as real while others saw it as unrealistic but not surreal. I need to get a better idea of what I am trying to do before getting into the fun of playing with PS. I don't know if there is something creative and interesting between real and surreal. I do like the unexpected - something out of place like. But it has to work in some way which I have not figured out.

I really appreciate your honest feedback!!

For another effect, trying cropping this as a panorama. I would also try lightening the shadows just a bit to bring out a little more detail in the lower left… you might or might not like the effect. Lots of possibilities here. This photo has an "other-worldly" feel to it, carted in large part by the pelican, which does not look natural in scale or position. I would love to see a pocket watch dangling from his beak at sunset… time is running out?  : )