Snow storm

[chauncey]

Do you remember them from last winter...here's a gazebo from across the lake during heavy snowfall
followed by a heavy boost in contrast. Question...is it too much or, is it a waste of time?




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[bnnrcn]

Hi Boyer If it was my image I wouldn't crop it from bottom , because the mood of the image can be felt more when the trees are far away and I think you lost the stormy look with your edit ( I think you increased the whites and blacks too much). I like the original, I would add some contrast to the image and I wouldn't make any further strong adjustments.

[wtlwdwgn]

I like the original better. The PP on the second takes away too much of the snow storm. Maybe try just enough contrast to bring out a little more of the gazebo but keep the snow fall. Just my two cents.

[Shadowman]

It's torture to look at but worth the effort.

[Mike Buckley]

Make a note card out of the second one...and use it to send me a "thank you" note for making the suggestion.

Seriously, I love the second one. It doesn't appear that the snow is falling but I prefer the overall appearance.

By the way, the first one also doesn't appear to me that snow is falling. Instead, it conveys to me that the scene is in the mist or a strong fog.

To indicate that snow is falling, it helps to have individual snow flakes evident in the image. Positioning the camera so medium tones or dark tones are in the background helps them stand out. Using a shutter speed that is slow enough allows the action of the falling flakes to blur. Using a shutter speed that is fast enough or using a speed light can stop their action. For a great example of falling snow in an image captured by Bobobird, see this.

[Brownbear]

Hi Chauncey,

Just to say that I adore this image. My personal preference would be for something in between the original and your edited version. Still light and misty but with the big tree not so black and the snow in the foreground not so dark, keeping the foggy look.

[chauncey]

Thanks guys...the snow was very fine, almost like mist, was very overcast.
What's amusing is...like the first one/like the second one/somewhere in between.
Kinda like defining "What is Art"...plethora of definitions.

In deference to Christina, I stacked the darker one on top and reduced opacity by 40%...looks good.
Whether to save for potential print...I don't know???

[wtlwdwgn]

Just remember to please yourself with your images.

[Otavio]

Hi, Chauncey. I would consider the contrast in a level between #1 and #2, more to the #2 side. Regarding composition, I love number 2. Very nice image.

[John 2]

Number 2 for me as well and it's a nice image. Doesn't convey your title but I just like impact of the graphic look. Might opt for a small slice from the bottom but that really is in the realms of personal preference.

[chauncey]

Looks like I'm gonna have do redo the PP as some of the layers failed to line up and it shows a little
Anyway...here's where I am now

[Mike Buckley]

This softer version works even better for me. For what it's worth, I can't detect any misalignment. At the size you print it when you send your "thank you" note to me, the misalignment will be even more difficult to detect.

[bnnrcn]

Certainly much better . If it was my image I would still try to add just a little more misty look but it is personal preference of course . Lovely photo

[AB26]

William,

To be blatantly honest: I feel a little envy creeping up my back.

I sat here staring, at the second image,(no not the second edit) for about 10 minutes. It grows on me. Maybe it is because it is so darn cold in Jò burg today but it feels cold and isolated.

Canvass print it!

[Brownbear]

Hi Chauncey,

Just to say, yes a printer. My favourite is the last version for the foreground and the trees and the 1st image for the sky.

[chauncey]

Based upon what you'll have said about this picture...I have come to the conclusion that I wouldn't know a pretty picture if it smacked me in the face...anyway here's the final version...I'm tired of playing with it.

[Brownbear]

Hi Chauncey,

These are all exceptionally pretty! I like the third edit with the darker sky but my favourite is the 2nd edit because of the lighter mood of the sky which sets off the trees and makes me feel like I want to walk further into the scene.

I adore this image! Thank you for taking the time to share all the possibilities. I'm still learning and I find it very interesting to see how the mood of an image can change so much, and also why one needs to think about the mood they are trying to create. Truly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Mike Buckley]

Forget the birthday cake. I'm still waiting for my "thank you" card. It didn't arrive in today's mail.

[flashback]

When I first looked, the image filled my screen and my first thought was; I wish the trees and gazebo were darker.
Then I scrolled down to see if anyone else thought the same, and I saw the second version and my first thought was ; Excellent.
I definitely prefer the second version. The stark contrast, the backgrounded shrouded in the mist, that quintessential winter/snowstorm image. Makes me happy it's summer yet makes me shudder for the winter ahead.
sometimes more is less.

[Nicks Pics]

In my opinion, the original is best as a photograph of the snow storm, or maybe a tiny bit more contrast, but doing so would remove more of the appearance of weather, so I wouldn't much, but if you'd rather be artistic, it doesn't have to look real.