vincetylor

Thanks for your opinions once again.

 

Stephen, you make a good point in that the further down the sun goes, or the more obscure it becomes, the more "evenly distributed" and consistent the lighting becomes. It flattens out quite a bit in fact. Also after pulling out the original and examining closely, this image here looks very close to what that slide looks like. The foreground white streaks are a tad brighter than in the original, which could be giving Len that unnaturally "brighter" impression. I did notice when the waves were breaking, I was able to see a little color through the water, which is really what I remember focusing in on here. I appreciate your commenting on that specific point.

 

Richard, yes I well know by now that you are not a fan of colored filters. I have plenty of your comments to remind me of that : )) I can respect that as well, and have been using them less often myself in fact. By having an established print line for many years now, I find that I can start to be more particular in how I shoot and what we add. Though I will probably always shoot at least a few frames both ways for business purposes. For my last posted sunset on this site, I preferred the one without the added warmth of a filter as was discussed. Also, remember too that I support my family and I entirely from photography. Sometimes the only way to "get the shot" is to use the added help of a colored filter. This is an undeniable fact for me. I do not live on Maui, so opportunities there are limited. For this image, it was no contest; the added warmth made the shot special. I personally disagree that it muddies up the sky in this image or creates odd color transitions. But that is my opinion. These filters are graduated and made specifically for this exact purpose. You should try one sometime... : )

 

However, I am more agreeable with your thoughts on the dark rocks. First of all let me mention to you that these rocks in Hawaii are VERY dark to begin with. Especially when wet! For example go here:

 

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3245516&size=lg

 

 

This is a daytime capture with full sunlight on the rocks. Now take a look at the black rock in the center of the image. Contrast that rock with the other brown ones. I'm just letting you know that these guys are very, very black. I should do some research one day on these different kinds of rock formations. But from what I do know, these islands were formed entirely by volcanoes. Old lava is practically jet black.

 

 

Look at this one now of an active lava flow. This image was taken under a full moon just a foot or two away with a flash; and yet you still have to struggle to get detail.

 

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1229464&size=lg

 

 

While on the other hand this location has an entirely different, brighter appearance. (I will be going back to this very location on the south-side for a seascape soon by the way).

 

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2037009

 

 

 

So I hope you can see what I am dealing with here. When I do get a shot like this next one to work, on these darker rock formations, you really have to be angle and lighting "conscious". This one here worked due to the height and angle of the boulders as well as the fact they were wet:

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4645882

 

 

These rocks, in this image posted two days ago above are very short, plus the sun is down and on the other side of the rocks. (Which is another reason why I like reverse sunsets in Hawaii by the way, due to helping illuminate these oftentimes problematic areas). So then, we will at the very least be "limited" in the amount of detail we can pull from these little black formations, under these conditions (or most any conditions for that matter). Additionally, these little 96 DPI J-pegs do little to help the situation which is usually why the print is so much better that what we see here, now. Now, that said, when I went to the original slide, under a 15X loupe, there is at least some detail in the slide, which is missing in this image above. I then went to my original scan and was actually quite surprised (discouraged might be the better term here), to see more detail in that scan than with the edited version. The very simple fact that I must keep in mind for now on is that I have to use contrast or offset exposure with KID GLOVES on these kinds of photographs. The blacks cannot afford to be compromised one ounce when taken under these conditions. My adding even a little contrast without protecting those formations turns them into detail-less black holes.

 

I am attaching a new version here with the preserved detail in the rocks. Viewed as a 24x36, 300 DPI TIFF at 100 or more percent, the difference between my fist version and this one in those dark rock areas is very noticeable. Though I am not sure how much you will notice the difference here as a little j-peg. Thank you for the incentive to delve deeper by the way. It always helps to do just that!

 

Walter, you simply need to get back out here. In fact, I wonder if you and the Mrs shouldn't just sell everything and start over in the land of hula. Though I'd assume you might miss the cccold quite a bit...

 

Yes, I also agree with you that the shorter exposure really helps this one out too. I always try to bracket and vary everything that I can when getteing the gear out. Focal lengths change with my zooms, apertures for DOF, shutter speeds for issues like this water above along with 1/3 stop brighter and darker on almost every opportunity. Usually something will stand out. Don't think you can quite do that with 4x5...

 

Many thanks again for ALL of your thoughts. This is how we get better!

Thanks for the comments. I reply a liitle later. Been super busy today.

Thanks for the in-depth comment Tyler. I can pretty much agree with your conclusions here. Though to be honest, I really do not notice all of those details when setting up. This was the night before my son got married (or here we call it Mauied!). Since I live on Kauai, I was visiting this island. Anyway, I had been to this same place the day before and realized it had some potential as a sunset as well. I shot several rolls from many angles and have at least three or four usable images. Two (including this one) have just been print-proof approved and just recently put into our gallery line. We have already had a few requests for this image since I posted it on our website a couple of months ago. That fact has me somewhat optimistic about this photograph. We will see.

 

What makes this one appealing to me is that throughout the image we have something going on. The sky is definitely not a weak link here. I was instantly drawn to those low-lying clouds. The water still has the appearance of a cresting wave along with a hint of tropical color. The foreground, I believe may be the weakest portion of the image, but it does have SOME action and seems to fit in fairly well. I could crop some of it, but like how the white streaks fade out too.

 

But I have learned the hard way that it really does not matter too much what I think. The buying public is very difficult to predict. And let me tell you, they have the final word!

 

A hui hou.

Thanks Len! I always enjoy your visits. Actually I sort of thought the forground was a bit too dark in this as we see it here. Very interesting that you find it appears possibly too bright then. I just got my PC back from the shop and will look at this one on my other monitor as well. Nothing in post-processing was added or manufactured by the way. But I do respect your opinion and will try burning the foreground to see if it improves the image some. Many thanks!!

 

 

PS- I have uploaded a larger version to examine more closely.

Thanks for your comments on this. Will, this is a sunset taken on Feb 27th of last year. The sun should be very close to where it sets in this image here, when you get there later this month. Yes you can easily drive to and then walk to this exact spot. Here is a photo taken by my son Scott from the exact same spot that I am standing for this sunset, only turned directly to my right. THAT is Big Beach (also called Makenna Beach). You will find plenty of maps showing you how to get to this particular beach. It's an even better daytime photo opportunity in my opinion. The colors just glow!

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5051838

Thanks for sharing the details Phiip. I can now see what you are talking about. The sediment and shallow foreground is visible when looking closely at this.

 

I believe Rajeev has made an excellent point too. Perhaps lessening the polarization would have made a noticable difference here. It does reduce glare. I am one who rarely, if ever, would do such a thing as NOT use a polarizer anywhere. However, higher up in elevation like this, combined with the fact that we WANT the reflection, maybe that would have allowed at least some of that blue to remain in the capture. I do remember cutting back whenever there is a rainbow in the scene for the very same reasons.

 

I can also understand why Philip might think your Maroon Bells capture was enhanced somewhat through Photoshop, Rajeev. It really does look almost too perfect to some degree. Thanks for clarifying for us as well as the nice tip. I'll remember that for sure. Both of yours are excellent captures of this very special location!

 

 

Thanks too for the interchange. Has been helpful too. Aloha.

Thanks.

A striking photo presented here. My question though is similar to Rick's point; why is the reflection of the sky black and not blue? This, for me, makes the photograph look very unnatural. There also appears to be a tilt to the right.

 

Here is another similar shot with a blue sky, which as you can see, the blue color is clearly seen in the reflection as well.

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5273882

 

 

Did you choose to take the blue out in this particular case or is there some other reason? If by choice, I'd suggest differently. Otherwise very nice.

 

I also agree with Stephen, the large view has some major issues going on.

I believe the purple clouds problem is more of a scanning issue. I do get an occasional magenta cast, but not quite that bad. I commented on your first one. Some nice work you have in those folders Chuck.

 

They are calling for monster surf today; up to 40 footers this afternoon.

 

 

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Dec/28/br/br6520319847.html

 

 

Think I might head up north today...

I know this exact spot. Great eye to see its potential here for a long exposure Chuck. This has tremendous potential in my opinion as well. I would just suggest spending a bit more time on this one in post processing. Here is just a quick, rough example of what you could do with this by adding a little more density adjustment to the image. I would spend at least two hours on this file, if it were mine, really working with it to improve the brightness, especially on the rocks. I also slightly addressed the magenta cast. This image has a really nice mood in my opinion and is worth spending added time on. Very nice.

 

A hui hou

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00IWzi

 

Here, read this thread. Am still not 100 percent certain it's true though.

 

I was outbid twice during the last two days on Ebay for Velvia 50 (the only place I can find it nowadays). Anyway, one of the sellers contacted me about a "second chance" purchase opportunity last night. I bought 40 rolls from him for $300. I 've got about 100 rolls altogether saved now. There's still one place in the UK that sells Velvia 50 by the 20 pack for $180 plus shipping on Ebay.

 

I could live with Velvia 100 but I'd rather not have to. Hopefully that rumor is true; Velvia 50 to be re-introduced in the Spring of 2007.

 

I'll check out your work. Let me know when you post some. Aloha.

Thanks Chuck. I will make that adjustment in the big file and eventually post the adjusted version here. You say three days you spent here. Did you camp? They do have a few cabins with zero ammenities however.

 

Look forward to seeing your work Friedemann. Scanning can sure be a pain, can't it? Digital sure has that advantage over film.

 

Aloha.

Hello Friedemann. I appreciate your thoughts too. This image was captured near midday, with a polarizer; therefore you get a darker (polarized) sky and richer colors in return. Which in my book is only a good thing. In fact if you look at my wide-angle view you will see the larger sky in that image is even darker due to the wide-angle (more sky) view. It also looks completely normal, yet is darker and richer than this one.

 

Just to be sure I re-checked the original slide and this is exactly what it looks like with one exception; the darker clouds on the left side middle area here have a little more blue than in the original. The original does have some blue tint in those clouds as well, but not quite as much as seen here. That small section does not have the sun's rays directly on it. Perhaps is reflecting some of the blue sky, which is not all that unusual. It's an easy adjustment as well to make. Thanks for the tip.

 

Oftentimes this place is completely socked in with clouds which makes photography under those conditions useless. It's a long drive back down when that happens...

 

 

Where can we find your versions by the way? Thanks again.

Thanks for your comments.

 

Will, Maui is filled with great opportunities all over. The Road to Hana has many places such as Wakani Falls at mile marker 18 (be sure to hike down though), Alau Island, 7 pools of Oheo, Wailua Falls, Black Sand Beach. There's Iao Needle, Lahaina, Kihei, Big Beach same as Makenna, Hookipa windsurfers in Paiaia, Haleakala sunrise and daytime (like this here), flowers everywhere and sunsets that are very often colorful due to the Big Island volcano being close by. That should hold you over a bit.. : )

 

I hope you make it there too Stephen! I've never seen anything as unusual as Haleakala. So many different looks too. Look me up if you make it to Kauai.

 

I agree with your critique Tyler. Since the wide-angle view was a dud on this day due to too much cloud cover, I thought something closer-in like this might work. Believe it or not, I don't think I've seen anything like this out there yet close-in like this. I was actually very surprised when I looked at these slides on the light-box. The textures and atmosphere was striking. I agree, the sliver of blue sky adds a little extra element to this as you mentioned. This is also where having two zoom systems, one with the 17-35 wide-angle and the second with the 28-70 really delivers.

 

 

Thanks too Michelle. I will look over your work soon and share a few opinions along the way.

 

You say this on your bio:

 

"I'm currently working on a website so that I can sell my images now, but it's slow going. Hopefully having an engineering degree, and no type of arts or photography degree, doesn't scare people away from buying my photography."

 

Nobody will be concerned with your other profession. In fact it probably only makes this craft more enjoyable. A striking contrast from your day job for sure. Selling your work is really not too difficult. Just be sure to avoid taking any shortcuts at any point of the process. Here are a few tips that I have learned along the way. Shoot carefully and thoroughly, covering as many looks as you possibly can. Initial edit very slowly; get other opinions if necessary when selecting which ones you will use. Edit even more carefully in Photoshop once you have selected your winners. Go back again after a few days and see what you can do to improve the image. (A little break away from any one image, I find, is often very helpful). Print Proofing is another very important element. Sometimes I have adjusted the file over 10 times before finally being satisfied with the print. Be sure you have quality mats, (avoid black mats if possible, the show every finger print and dirt particles). Use a tight fitting clear bag to protect the matted photograph too. Some use the loose versions because they are easier to put on. I find they look too sloppy. Initially go into these accounts yourself. Offer consignment. Guaranty sales (you can do exchanges too). Get at the minimum some acrylic display stands. Having a tiered wooden display stand is even better, but not always practical. Your " HUBBY/photo-boy" can help there too. : )

 

Anyway, hope this helps. Many thanks for all of you taking the time on this Christmas Eve to leave a comment. Have a nice Christmas too!

Here is the wide-angle view taken on a sunny day.

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4532366&size=lg

Thanks.

Thanks for the comments. I have thought about that bare branch for several years Michael. Perhaps one day I should just clone it out to see how it looks without. I do remember it being in the way when I shot this scene. Then tried to make it work for me by using it to anchor the bottom to a degree. And then after getting to the lightbox, it looked just fine as it is here. Overall, I think your opinion may be right on. Other than breaking up the greens and blues a bit, it has very little purpose. Though maybe that breaking up those colors IS a noble purpose.....

 

See, am confused again. I'll just have to clone it out to see. : )

 

Thanks again.

Thanks for the comments folks. I do agree Lou Anne, the larger version presents a much better view here. There are little details throughout this scene, that for me, add up in this image which really are not recognizable in the default view. Which is one reason why I went with a very large, "large" view... (approx 1000 pixels wide this time).

 

 

Thanks for the suggestion Richard. I believe your thought does have some merit. While not a significant issue in my mind, a little more light down below would not hurt the image overall. In fact after I initially edited this, I believe it was the next day, after examining it again, that I added another point or two of shadow detail in Photoshop to add just a little more light/detail down below. I am just very conscious for some reason when it comes to adjusting the shadows in an image. I just loathe that slight haze you often see when somebody is going a bit too far in trying to bring detail out those shadows. A red flag for me. Perhaps I am a bit TOO conscious of this issue at times though.

 

Basically the only time I feel that a 3-stop ND is needed out here is when there are some very black lava-rocks in the foreground and the sun is still fairly high up in the sky. In this image, whenever the shoreline would recede, you'd get this nice little "glow" of lighting reflecting the sky on the beach line. So, at the time of shooting this scene I saw no real reason to go with the extra stop. But again, in this case, after looking at the slides, I do believe an extra stop could possibly have improved this perhaps just a bit. And while you do not see the sun in the image itself here, since it is just on the other side of the mountain, it is (I believe) still above the horizon. Which is why those clouds are definitely "lit up" as if on fire. That extra stop may have been helpful overall then. Though I'll also add that the large file does appear to be okay as it is. I'll know more when the prints get here for sure. Probably this week.

 

Many thanks for taking the time Richard. In fact All of your visits and opinions are appreciated guys and gals. A hui hou.

Thanks Walter. I have actually toned them down before through Photoshop, but did not like how the image looked overall. It seemed to lessen the impact altogether for some reason. I will look a little more intensely to see what I can do then.

 

 

Yes Chip, this is where Velvia really earns its money. Greens and blues are its strengths. Greens and blues definitely dominate this image. I have always been a big fan of that film.

 

Mahalos to both of you for taking the time!

Kauai Pasta is my daughters fav restaurant on the island. My wife and love it too. I wish I'd have known you were here Wilson. If you have the time send me an e-mail when you come again. Would be happy to show you around too. There's much more off the beaten path than you may think.

 

Well, at least this time it was a Hula show Wilson; as you may remember, on the Big Isle it was Walmart. That is one heck of an improvement if you're going to get sidetracked. : ))

 

Yes Walter my favorite sushi is also cooked. Baked to be specific. There is one restaurant on this island that makes the absolute best anywhere. Great Mai tai's as well...

Hey, I know this spot! Love that stormy cloud approaching Wilson. Life is often like that in Hanalei. You get wet a lot. The next time you make it here, you are invited to enjoy the "personal" tour. I used to fish every day before picking up a camera. You never forget some of those places... I'll post some soon. Nice capture here brah!!

Thanks Greg. Yes discussions are the only way anybody can learn anything. I always learn something new every time I post an image and get involved in some discussion. I agree with you on the lens headaches too. Nikon's newer lenses should all work on any newer camera with the Nikon name. Nikon has some real catching up to do in the digital world in my opinion.

 

Hello Chip. I must agree with your observations word for word... at this time. No digital capture looks as good as a transparency captured on Velvia. 100 ASA is good, but 50 is still the show-stopper! I have compared many times in many places. I do know.

 

That said, a world class Digital SLR AND Photoshop can do a very good job getting close to what Velvia delivers. Too close actually. In time, it will most likely come so close that it would be foolish not to switch to digital and enjoy all the perks that come with that format. Imagine never needing to scan again. That's big for me. No more film/developing costs. Huge memory cards that can hold hundreds if not thousands of shots. But for now, nothing beats what I see on the Lightbox with Velvia. Awesome film.

 

I also agree with one-single-shot winners. But have also seen amazing results a couple of times from some that shot the multiple exposures and blended. At this time it's just more work than I want to get into. Nor do I see the need to. I do use a tripod most of the time so it's definitely workable if needed. But have yet to see the image that was lost due to this problem. It also feels more natural than combining. Either way, technology has made some terrific strides that make the capturing of the beauty of nature that surrounds us all, regardless of lighting and conditions, more and more possible. THAT is only a good thing!

 

Thanks again for all the comments. Aloha.

Wilson has one??

 

Walter, when you do come here, I will be sure to show you places you would never find on your own. However, these places that you CAN find on your own aint to bad either...

 

Like sushi?

Opinions appreciated!

Thanks.