The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
A car full of photographers driving along near Sossusvlei, we suddenly see this amazing light, screech to a stop, jump out, take a few snaps . The light is gone before you know it. Quickly jump back in the car and on our way to the next location.
I love these moments.
Feedback Requested
This image really came to life for me when I converted it to black and white, something I don’t do very often.
I would appreicate feedback on the black and white edit.
OH MY! What a moment indeed. I’ve been in groups (recently too in Yosemite!) where light like this, or just amazing scenes popup and you have to stop, alter your plans, etc. etc. I love these moments when I’m by myself, but savor the memories when with other photographers!
I think you made a great choice to go B&W. I also think your processing is excellent; I especially like the contrast that the trees are providing. Without playing with this one, I’m wondering what would happen with more contrast in the clouds and the beams of light?
I’m also wondering if you need all the clouds up top. I’m thinking a more pano format might be pretty effective. I’ll try the tool to show a crop. And of course that’s a personal choice. I love what you’ve captured and presented!
One thing people have not mention is that there is a dark fringe where masks were applied. This can be seen between sky and distant mountains and the closer overlapping mountain.
I’m really enjoying your Namibia images. For some reason they make me think of the Australian outback. It’s definitely interesting countryside.
What a beautiful image! The contrast between the trees and the sky and sand is very effective. The sun rays are always an enhance. Your timing and framing of this is perfect. I like Igor’s suggestion about the cropping, but it’s still excellent as is!
Lon, I like your crop, there seems to be a theme I’m noticing with the images I submit, I need to double check for different crop options!! Thank you very much, I’ll do a re-edit.
Alice
Hi Igor, I did use masks but I’m not seeing the dark fringe you are referring to. I will go back and look at my edits.
I’m glad you are enjoying my Namibia photos, I’m having fun going through them and editing them. I’ve not been to Australia but I bet it’s have many majestic landscapes.
Alice
I wouldn’t worry too much and take too much to heart. We need to remember how easy it is for the viewer, the critiquer to crop and modify an image - the tools and options make it way to easy. And one thing we never consider, and should, are the intented outcomes of the photographer. Think about a print, or maybe a size requirement for submitting an image somewhere. I mean, what if my crop gave you a 10.8 x 17.3 inch format, but you want to pring an 11x14? Anyway, crops, just like colors, contrast and saturation are subjective and personal.
I guess what I’m saying is that it’s great to consider the suggestions, but also ask yourself what you’re trying to convey, or how you might be using this image, like printing it. Anyway, I’m just rambliln’
Ok, that is a problem that I’ve had before and I’m not sure how to fix it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I usually work in LR and sometimes their mask selection is not as spot on as I would like.
Alice
I really enjoy the cropped versions of this although I also enjoyed the og. I agree with @Igor_Doncov about the haloing along the mountains, but I feel the haloing amongst the trees is even more noticable. Here are some LR videos. Mark Denny’s is the newest so probably the most helpful with the latest LR.
Thank you Igor and Michael for the Youtube videos. There is a lot to take in here so I will watch and see if I can clean up my image. Plus so much new information to absorb, this will be a huge help in my editing.
Thank you
Alice
Beautiful image and I really like your cropped version. I see the halos as well, but it looks like you have been given several resources for that. Refining those masks can be tricky sometimes, but feathering it in usually resolves it.
I like the New Cropping Image as much as the original. I saw the comment of masking. I don’t understand masking and I have tried. I think the image is just fine as it is. I don’t look for the perfection in images. Adams and Weston always had minor issues. As look as it is honest and real That is the most important thing to me. And Have Fun. !!!
Well I worked on this image for several hours and I finally had to walk away from it. I tried starting from scratch but the original image had a bit of a halo along the mountains to begin with. The light beams that extend down into the mountains really complicated the masking. The videos all make it look so simple but I wasn’t successful. I think what I take away from this is to be more careful about my masking and check along the way to make sure my adjustments haven’'t created halo’s to begin with. The video’s all had much to offer and I will watch a couple of them again. Thank you all for your suggestions!!
Alice
