Sunset in Cabalian

[jimsuy]

C&C are very welcome

[Colin Southern]

Hi Jim (it is Jim isn't it?)

Just a couple of thoughts that come to mind ...

1. Nice shots

2. Your horizon's look a bit crooked in 1 & 3, and a bit bowed in #2

They look a bit like they're been "Photomatixed"?

Welcome to CiC too

[pwnage101]

Yea, especially in number one I think you've gone a little too intense with the HDR. Try making the HDR gradients "softer"

[jimsuy]

thanks.. it not a HDR.. i use unsharpen filter... just experiement my PP.. im not good in post processing...

[Dave Humphries]

it's not a HDR.. I use unsharpen filter... just experiementing my PP

Hi Jimsuy (Jim?),

Welcome to the CiC forums, this is a good place to learn.

If you were trying to increase local contrast with the USM, rather than sharpen, try these settings for starters on this kind of image; 10%, 150px radius, 0 threshold. In this case, the huge radius is tp stop the halo effect appearing. Also have a read of Sean's excellent "Technique" article on Local Contrast Enhancement (LCE). Do this before any downsizing.

If you were trying to to sharpen, particularly the final sharpen after downsizing, then try these; 150%, 0.3 radius and 3 threshold.

There are some excellent threads around CiC on workflow, especially RAW workflow, I don't have time right now to provide links, perhaps another member could(?). The advantage of following a workflow is not forgetting to straighten horizons (before/while cropping is easiest).

Above all, don't get disheartened, there is a lot to learn, but if we take it steady you'll soon be up to speed, you may be surprised how a few simple tricks, like LCE, help make a world of difference to your pictures.

No.2 is my favourite - and you've clearly got a bit of an eye for a good composition, I would only suggest minor adjustments to framings above on No.s 1 and 3.

Cheers,

[ScoutR]

Hi Jim; I've put in a few links below. What software are you using for PP? I could find many more links for you but they might not be applicable to the software that you are using.

Here is a link to help with sharpening:

When/How to Best Sharpen a Digital Photograph

The method used for resizing also makes a big difference as to how photos appear. Below is a link on resizing

Resizing images

I like the way you have captured the changing light as the sun set, but I do think you can get a lot more out of these shots. Read as much as you can, and experiment a lot. Save different versions of the files you work on and go back and compare later with fresh eyes to try and decide what you like best.

Hoping to see more shots soon.

Wendy

[jimsuy]

Thanks for the comments, the links... it really help me...