"The Closest Star #2"

Yes, I often re-visit a scene that has good composition to capture it in different light. Now the grasses have browned somewhat and the sun's position has aligned perfectly with the barn. The larger version is recommended. Thanks for any observations!

Thanks for your time. Please view the Larger preview!

Mark, a stunning scene and an excellently controlled exposure. Makes me want to be there. This is much lower rated than it should be, it really does make me wonder whether my upcoming subscription to pnet is really worth it.

 

All the best, Dave

Thanks David. I am happy with the results of this image; the sky fell woefully short of my expectations, but there were enough clouds close to the horizon to make it work. I have worked this composition extensively, so no high marks for originality where I stand. Aesthetically; well this rating system is just so ambiguous. By and large, if the masses say not so, then it must be so. But....we are not the masses. We represent a group of photographers who can appreciate a well crafted work of digital imaging. No wow perhaps, but well done indeed. In this case, 12 stops of latitude successfully captured. I like old barns, you probably do as well. We can agree upon that for sure! Post Script comment: I have seen many digital images on PNet that exhibit obvious Photoshop work, often garnering accolades and praises for excellent work. The work is apparent and thus easily noticed. I have spent many hours refining my techniques for multiple exposure blending, work that does not look HDRish, but more natural as if looking at the scene with our own eyes, eyes that can take in a wide range of tones simultaneously. The blending is transparent and looks as if it is a straight shot perhaps. Meanwhile, this image spans 12 stops of exposure settings. This means perhaps a full 16 to 18 stops of actual tonal range when you consider a single exposure can render 6 stops. If I didn't know all of the details of the image, I may well not see the merits. That's the way it crumbles I guess!

Hi mark,

 

I agree with a lot of what you say, i do think though that there are a lot of new photographers starting out who are unable to see the technical problems faced when producing this kind of photo. Also it only takes one or two idiots to rate 3/3 or 3/4 and the masses don't get to see your work, which means your subscription payment is wasted if you value others comments.

 

Best wishes Mark, Dave.

I just renewed two days ago, P.N. is like an old friend that can sometimes be obnoxious, but you still have to love him or her (I think P.N. is a her actually). Let's not forget all of the patrons who we have come to know over the life of our membership. I think for the money, it is well worth it, so please don't be dismayed!

First let me say that I have found this series of images from this locale to be delicious pieces of eye candy. I am very aware of the dynamic range and your skill in capturing and presenting them seamlessly.Kudos for this image and as far as ratings go I have given up on that altogether. I was constantly plagued by one PNer who found it necessary to give every one of my photos a 3 and be the first to do so. I have since stopped asking for ratings as have many others. It is a shame that pettiness can enter to the equation but I guess it's just human nature. Anyway, Mark, so very well done 7/7 .

Mark - Amazing control of difficult lighting. Once again, the mood and spirit created by this light has shown through. Fantastic.

 

Regards, Harry

Hi Mark- Great shot. I love the scene you captured and you did a nice job considering you were working with a subject that was back lit. The only thing I might have done with this is give the foreground a bump in contrast. I think that is just a personal taste I have. Overall, wonderful picture.-Regards-Jim

12 stops of latitude and not a single horse... I swear Mark, seems like you could get something right!... :-)

 

As with this entire series, the presence of "being there" is among the best on PN... keep up the good work and forget the ratings. Thanks for sharing these with us... Mike

 

 

Hi Mark!

 

Very nice image with a lot of warmth in it! May I ask where it was taken and whether the colors were processed on the computer?

 

Heidi

Thank you Leo, Harry, Jim, Mike and Heidi for your thoughts. Thanks Leo for the doble sietes. Harry, I am looking for more photography from you. Don't work too hard. Jim, I actually prefer a softer look in the foreground grasses. Mike, the horses saw me climb up onto the roof of my car to take this picture and thought I was trying to get a jump on them, so they split. Heidi, I used to shoot Velvia film and it gave my images a color punch that I preferred (as do many other film shooters). When I switched to digital capture, I had trouble coaxing that look from my RAW files. Based on a tip I got from Floris van Bruegel, I now have two different approaches to getting the Velvia punchy look, only now it's better than film because I have less contrast. I also adjusted the white balance to add some warmth, again, much like using a warming filter which is also an old film strategy. (I actually shot this with no filters on the lens to avoid flare) So yes, this was enhanced by computer, but just enough to approximate the look of my film days. The other computer enhancement is the process of blending three images of varied exposure to harness the entire tonal range of this scene. This was taken at Rankin Ranch in the Walker Basin near Caliente, California, about 45 miles from Bakersfield.

Exelent Capture Mark. Luv it. Rgrds. I. Feliciano.

A beautiful country image indeed and the light of the sun well controlled.

Love the colours.

Cheers!