Hey Everyone,

I have done a few different variations of this shot. Comments/critiques are certainly appreciated.

Cheers
James

Janes, the shot looks over exposed to me. I cant see anything in the sky but the very sparse clouds just around the mountain, the rest of the sky is "blown out."

Over all color is lacking and the fog, while adding some mood to the shot does not add enough to carry it. For all the shots that I see of this location, and you know what I'm talking about, I think "new" shots of it must have some very exeptional aspect to them. It is for sure a beautiful location but I believe you must have something unique in a shot like this. also, I believe the shot is not level, the water is slightly pouring out the right side of the image. Even if it's lens distortion, or just the way the shoreline makes it look, it should be fixed otherwise people will feel like you just threw the camera up and took a shot. . .

James, at the end of the day, I think in order to have an outstanding photo of these mountains, you have to have outstanding light. I've gone for days shooting, spent lots of money going to and fro, like this year I spent 17 days shooting elk, and I think I got a hand full of usable images. The rest are in the recycle bin . . .

I'm not saying that that shot is a recycle bin shot, but I know how far you traveled to get it, and how much effort you put into getting to that location, so I know how much it means to you, am saying that I think an observer needs find something exceptional in a shot like that in order for it to be more than just a "nice" photograph. . .

Better light and more contrast in the sky with more color overall would help that image. Most of that means wait for better light, and shoot in on another day. . .

Hey Tony,

Thank you for the blunt criticism. I agree that the light was just not there that morning. I keep bringing myself back to those aspens and how beautifully the light is hitting them, and I keep hoping that somehow it has salvaged the shot...but you are right.

James

James, if what you say is true, it explains everything. You need to go with your gut and shoot what inspires you in the scene NOT what you see other's shoot.

for example, next time, pull out th 200 mm and shoot it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great shot with a few problems. The scene is desperately lacking any contrast. The softness of the mountains and the sky make the foreground trees the subject by power of visibility.

The good news is...while over exposed...it looks like the sky and mountain information IS there and not fully blown. A blend from one RAW shot should do this shot proud.

As always...happy to help if you send me the file.

Otherwise nice work.

Roman

Ahhhhhhh, now that's a better approach, I'd get some help from Roman, I'm sure he can show us all how to make that shot what you really saw when you were there.

I have yet to get my mind around how much PS really can help, in fact, I dont even think about it during the capture, which, I think I should learn to do!

Thanks Roman. . .

Tony

For me Photoshop is a tool to bridge the gap between what the human experienc is...and what the camera is capable of recording. I always try to maximize what the camera can do first....but always consider what photoshop can do with that maximized information as well but that thought is a blended second into the first priority.

In short....ALWAYS maximize the camera...(proper WB (even if shooting RAW) proper exposure, etc) then apply your Photoshop pre visualization.

SOrry if this seems repetitive..but always on guard to preventing the idea of many who often say "ahh...I can fix it later in photoshop" is all.

My wording while subtly diffrent but very important is "ahh....I think I can really make this sing with photoshop" as I am confident I have the most info I can capture.

Sorry about the little pet peeve rant...climbing back down off my soap box...LOL!!!

Roman

Roman, I completely understood your first post, i hope I did nothing to offend you. I think your correct. I just need to broaden my thinking in this digital age. . . Believe me, PS is in now way a substitute for great technique behind the camera. . .

Thanks again for the reminder. . .

Tony

Nope not offended.....it was more of a general message of a pet peeve of mine....lol.

Its like talking about politics....dont get me started!! :~P

Roman

I would be honored if we feel it is good enough to do a post processing challenge on. I like the composition a lot - it is just exposure challenged...LOL. The light gave us nothing that morning. Just 300 grumpy photographers. :P

James