Repost with Sharpening Fixed
Original
Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is Lava Fall, Toroweap Overlook, North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The black lava in the middle ground came from Vulcan’s Throne, a cinder cone just out of view to the right. The lava flow dammed the Colorado River to a depth of at least 800 feet, creating a vast lake behind the dam, until the river eroded its way through, in the process forming Lava Falls, considered the most dangerous stretch of whitewater in the canyon. I was taken by the intensity of the texture in the scene and the colors of the canyon walls contrasting with the green water in the river.
Specific Feedback
Any critiques or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Technical Details
Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105L @ 105mm, 1/160 sec, f7.1, ISO 200
Scott, this is a very nicely dramatic view of the river and canyon. It does look very grainy, possibly oversharpened or too much local contrast (clarity). I’m fascinated that the black lava look like it’s in shadow while all else look sunny.
Interesting geology and a fine image, Scott. I see what @Mark_Seaver means about the “grainy” look which looks like lots of small rocks when I look closely. I could see backing off on the detail a bit as it does start to look a little odd. It’s interesting that the haze in the distance seems to add a distinct blue tinge to that part of the image.
I redid the sharpening to about 1/4 of whaat I would normally do. I didn’t adjust the clarity at all in processing. The whole canyon here is has almost like a talus covering, small rocks eroding all down the cliffs, so that might add to the look you described. There could be shadow on the lava area, it was fairly cloudy that day, in fact within 30 minutes or so after this photo was taken a snowstorm came barreling down from this direction, severely limiting visibility . It passed rather quickly and I got a few good snowbow (rainbow) photos looking the other direction. Thank you for your suggestion.
I did back off on the sharpening, I hope it looks better. That haze was the start of a snowstorm that came down the canyon shortly after this was taken. Thank you for your comment !
This is a wonderful vista Scott, and nicely captured. I think the composition looks great.
Any chance this has a cyan tint? Here’s version moved a little more red to compare.
I hadn’t adjusted that at all, but I do like your version and made the adjustment to my master file. I didn’t repost it here. Thank you for your very helpful suggestion!
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