Mid July @John_Williams and I backpacked in Goat Rocks. There were very few flowers out because most of the meadows was still covered with snow. This was about the only patch of paintbrush.
This is a 2 image composite for focus. I cloned out a couple flares and some grass close to the 2 larger flowers, and adjusted contrast and exposure to make the most of the back lighting.
What technical feedback would you like if any?
Any comments on the post processing would be appreciated.
What artistic feedback would you like if any?
All comments appreciated
Pertinent technical details or techniques:
(If this is a composite, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
Nikon D850, ISO 400, a6-35 @ 35, f16 at 1/20 sec. Tripod and cable release used.
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The intimacy of the the paintbrush is quite the attractive foreground anchor Joe. Given the fact that there weren’t a tone of these out yet, I think that was a great idea to be that close. The low angle of the sun is playing in them nicely. That lens sure has a nice sun star; that’s a lot of rays and I find it attractive. It does look like the focus dropped behind those closest flowers a bit. Maybe a third shot would have filled the gap?
Was this taken on the 18th? I find the color balance interesting when compared to the image I took that morning. (I hope to post that soon.) Your snow looks nicely white, and the foreground color is quite natural. On mine the snow has a bluish tint, and if I correct towards white the foreground then looks decidedly unnatural. I can’t remember how far apart we were when the sun crested; maybe that’s the difference?
Thanks @John_Williams! I’ll look to see if I have a 3rd image to get more in focus.
Yes, this was taken on the 18th, You were much closer to The Rocks when the sun crested.
Now I remember! In fact, if I remember correctly you had been chasing the cresting sun and had photographed it several times as you worked your way over to where I was perched.
Interesting how at this angle the color balance is more even in the image; I’ve never noticed that effect before. I’m assuming that being closer, my angle to the sun when it crested the ridge would have been different and that is the reason? Others with better knowledge of physics would likely know more about that.
Yes, the sun in your image is significantly higher and almost 30 minutes later. After this shot, I had time to walk through the snow to where you were, set up a shot and wait for the sun to crest again. Unfortunately I was too rushed to get a good comp so I won’t be posting that one. 
