california landscapes "Cycles of the Seasons"

Thanks for any feedback. A Larger preview is available.

wonderful 6/6 anon - love the light - best regards

Gosh, I don't feel remotely qualified to offer you advice, but I'll go for it anyway. I can't put my finger on this, but the colors somehow don't seem to go together in this image. Of course, this is a very subjective comment. The hills look too aqua-colored on this end. Maybe this is really what you saw that particular morning, but I don't think there is enough harmony in this image. (Sorry, that's the musician in me). :-)

Thanks Tony and Christal! Last time I checked, Christal, there is no qualification required other than having eyes to see. As well, you have an expressive and visually stimulating collection of photographs. Your PNW images are of professional caliber, as well as many others. OK, as far as color harmony, you said it is subjective. I agree. Color can be tricky as to what is within the realm of believable and acceptable. As I processed this, the variation of color, especially the green hills, gave me a warm, fuzzy. I liked the way the colors vary throughout, giving separation and distinct layering. However, I like butter pecan ice cream smothered in Hershey's syrup. Not many people would touch the stuff. Most, I think, will probably agree with you. I am trying some new things and most likely pushing the envelope regarding colors. At the same time, I still like what I see. In the end, though, it is my viewers who keep me from going too deep. Even though I like it, I am taking photographs not just for personal satisfaction, but for sharing with everyone. I pay close attention to candid comments (thats why I am here) and appreciate all of them. Because of your shared impression, I will go back and tweak this and very likely will see it in a different and, perhaps, better way. Thank you for your thoughtful input!!

I have attached a revised. Thanks Christal, looks better I think.

This is another instance where IMHO the sky just seems to carry a bit to much green. I realize you're targeting that wonderful yellow light of dawn (or the late afternoon); but I still think there's just bit too much green. The composition and the layers in this are just superb! Maybe a white balance adjustment to cool it off a skosh? Anyway, terrific photograph, Mark. I really like this Plumas County stuff of yours! Cheers! Chris

Now I finally have time to answer you adequately. First off, what I meant when I said I wasn't 'remotely qualified' to offer you advice is that I simply don't have a technical background. I know what I like, and I have strong instincts about what works and what doesn't, but I don't know how to offer advice in any tangible, helpful, way......other than to say I like or dislike something. That's frustrating for me at this point, and of course it spurs me to want to improve my skills. So although I do think your revision is an improvement, I still think the colors conflict a bit, and I can't convey that to you the way Chris does above, for instance. THAT is helpful advice you can DO something with. Also, my lack of technical knowledge also prevents me from understanding much of the technical analysis many of you provide on your images. I'm just the kind of person who wants to do everything NOW......personality disorder.. :-) .....but I need to just be patient, and I'll learn all of this in due time. In the meantime, I'm proud and honored to get to interact with you and all of the wonderful photographers here on PN.