I have noticed that of my own photographs, the ones I’ve been drawn to work on lately have a certain quality of diffuse light that seems to glow. That is what drew me to take the pictures in the first place. Attempting to represent that glow, which is very much a three-dimensional phenomenon, within the limits imposed by the two-dimensional surface of a photograph, seems to be a theme that has captured my attention lately. What I’m trying to portray is the sense of an inner glow, as though the surface, the central clouds in this picture, are lit from the inside – not only luminous but numinous. I wanted to keep this image fairly low key and hopefully allow the light to speak for itself. I would love to get your feedback regarding this or any other aspect of this photograph that strikes your fancy.
Yes, I see what you mean. The forest has a great vitality to it.
This may seem strange but what I have noticed is that some sensors capture this 3 dimensionality better than others. When I compare the images made with the Canon 6D they look flatter compared to the GFX50.
Kerry, I guess Bierstadt and the Hudson River boys are just going to have to make some extra room for the Temagami Lake school of Canadian landscapes. This sky does have that type of glow to it.
I’m ashamed to admit that I had to look up the definition of numinous, the clouds lit from within do have a spiritual/religious aspect to them (heavenly light). I kind of also have the same spiritual/religious feeling about aurora images, such as in my recent post, they can be awe inspiring.
I think most of the "numinosity " in this image is derived from the bottom 2/3’s of the sky. I’m not suggesting a crop, rather I think some edge darkening along the top edge, especially in the brighter URC would enhance the warm glow below. I also think some gentle dodging of the highlights just above the trees could also tease out a bit more glow. But those are suggestions for very subtle changes, the sky is already pretty good. In relation to you last post, the trees look good, with just the right level of saturation for me.
@Ed_McGuirk - I want to thank you for your carefully considered comments. I can’t tell you how much they are appreciated. I have a strange affection for this photograph and so I felt it was worth following up on your suggestions. I have posted a second version up top to you can compare but I’d be interested as to whether in your opinion the changes are too much, too little or pretty much on the money. I have ambitions of learning to create monographs which will include maybe 15 or 20 photographs plus some text and/or poetry. One called Temagami Dawn, for example, might make a nice photo essay and a picture, such as this one, could help to build the mood. Anyway, thanks again for taking a look and taking the time.
Kerry those are exactly the type of changes that I envisioned in my comments. I think your rework has made some subtle, but helpful changes. This image is a worthy member of whatever monograph collection you end up creating.
