The weather forecast called for increasing clouds in the late afternoon with a chance for stormy weather towards the evening. I was in the area of Mono Lake, California, so I thought I would go out to the lake and see if I could get some dramatic skies to photograph. As evening approached the clouds got dark and heavy to the east as the remaining light from the setting sun filtered in over the tufa formations in the lake. I captured a number of moody images from the beaches along the lakeshore, but this one stood out to me as one of the best. As I was finishing up and preparing to leave the sky opened up and heavy rain began to fall. I decided to convert the original raw file to black and white and used some masking techniques to darken the clouds somewhat and accentuate the light coming in from the left of the frame.
Feedback Requests
Any feedback on how this image makes you feel about the moment I experienced when being there. Just looking for a general critique of this image, with an emphasis on any hints as to what might be done to improve the photo, if any.
Pertinent Technical Details
Canon R, f/11, 2.5 sec at ISO 100
24-105mm lens at 28mm
Processed in Adobe Camera Raw with a black and white profile and additional edits with several masking layers.
When I see wonderous images like this salt lake, I feel quite insignificant. The black and white conversion enhances an otherworldly and eerie feeling. Even apprehension as the storm approaches.
Your long exposure is very interesting against the ruggedness of the tufas and the hero tufa leads me right into the scene.
There maybe another version with a little slice off the bottom? The bright tufa on the RHS draws my eye a little, but that really is nit picking.
Such a lovely edit Ted. I like the contrast between the brighter sky and the foreboding clouds on the right. The image makes me feel a sense of wonder and hope, in spite of the darkening sky. The only comment I might suggest is to expand the canvas on the right. I find the crop too close to the rock. Otherwise, a splending job.
The image definitely has the moodiness you were going for, and monochrome was the right choice. I think the foreground tufa leads nicely to those in the middle. However, as others have noted, the bright formation on the right hand side is distracting. I’d either crop a little more tightly, or darken it.
Thank you @glennie@WillR@madd_laura for taking the time to look and provide some feedback. I noticed the bright tufa near the right edge of the frame, but I decided to leave it be and see what anyone might say about it. Since you all suggested it might be better if it wasn’t there or was less noticeable, I decided to rework the photo leaving it out.
Ted, this photo attracts me because it is dramatic and gives a real sense of 3 dimensions. I agree with some who suggest removing a slice from the bottom, perhaps a 3 by 5 crop reducing the foreground. Regarding the bright rock on the RHS, I believe it balances the large rock in the foreground LHS, but could be burnt in a little. Great photo
I like this a lot. Being an artist, I sort of enjoy feeling melancholy, and this is the vibe I get from this in the very best of ways! I love a dark, moody b&w and this one definitely checks all the boxes for me. It does seem just a tad bright there on the left side and I like your edit where you removed the brighter structure on the right edge.
Ted: I made one tiny pass by Mono Lake several years ago just to see the place but didn’t have time to do any shooting. You took advantage of the conditions very well here. I do prefer your rework eliminating the little tufa on the edge. It was an eye magnet for me. Really good processing of a wonderful scene. >=))>
Thank you @Bill_Fach. I have been to Mono Lake several times over many years. It’s a very interesting and unique place. The water level of the lake has gone down considerably and many of the tufas that once rose out of the water are now totally on the land.
