Expreiment in ICM Processing

Image Critiques
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1

Original - -20261018-7R501190-Union Gap-Edit.jpg
Original - -20261018-7R501190-Union Gap-Edit.jpg2048×1390 1000 KB

#1

#2
#22048×1365 832 KB

#2

#3
#32048×1504 1.11 MB

#3

Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical

About This Image

I was looking at some ICMs of a poplar grove I took a couple of weeks ago and it occurred to me that some linear gradients might make them more interesting. The idea was to create a more solid feel to the lower part of the image with an airier, sunnier feel toward the top. To do this I played with applying a couple of linear gradients in LR, one from the top and one from the bottom overlapping a touch somewhere in between where the transition from trunk to foliage occurred. In the top gradient I increased exposure, reduced saturation, reduced texture, clarity and dehaze and sometimes warmed it a bit. In the lower gradient, I did the opposite. Amounts of each adjustment were strictly by eye.

Feedback Requested

I’m including three different images here to illustrate the effects with different starting points in terms of structure showing in the original. I’m interested in which ones, if any, you think work well and do they convey the feeling of going from solidity to airiness?

Technical Details

#1
Camera: SONY ILCE-7RM5
Lens: FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
Focal length: 77mm
Shutter speed: 1/5s
Aperture: f/4
ISO: 50

#2
Camera: SONY ILCE-7RM5
Lens: FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
Focal length: 77mm
Shutter speed: 1/5s
Aperture: f/4
ISO: 50

#3
Camera: SONY ILCE-7RM5
Lens: FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
Focal length: 77mm
Shutter speed: 1/5s
Aperture: f/4
ISO: 50

2

Dennis, all three of these work well for me showing the light and airy above a more substantion base. As favourites go, I prefer #1 and #3.

Looking forward to see where this experiment may lead.

3

Dennis - I like them all. #1 and #3 work best for me. I don’t feel there’s enough contrast between top and bottom areas in #2. In fact, I’d have a play with increasing the darks in the base of #3 (and maybe a touch in #1 too) to add to the darker tones for that base effect you’re going for. I think a tad more tonal separation between top and bottom wouldn’t hurt - but that’s a taste thing. Fwiw… Lovely images though. I love that look.