Abandoned Rail at sunset: Opinions and Critique

[tbob]

Hi Trevor

I'm a bit late coming in on this thread but I do think the image has potential. With the current post processing it looks a bit flat to me. I had a play with it and came up with this (hope you don't mind me posting, I'm sure you'll tell me to take a running jump if you do!).

Bumped up Shadows, Clarity and Vibrance in ACR and made the yellow tones redder.
Then in PS I touched up the Levels a bit (mainly the black point) and added a Nik filter - the Detail Extractor in ColorEfex Pro. I think this brings out the sun's rays more. I also cropped a bit off the bottom.

For your consideration.

Dave

I never object to people playing with my images. I learn from the versions and encourage anyone to put a hand in. Especially when it works as well as this one.

I can see I'm too timid in the processing. I can never get it through my skull that processing is nondestructive and I can be a bold as I want. I will try to emulate your version in Aperture. May not be possible without the NIK addon.



You

[tbob]

I like this Trevor. I like the concept. If symetry is what you are after, getting the sun in the centre of the rails might be worth while but to me this speaks of abandonment and that being so, I have no problem where it is now. If symetry isn't the point you could even change your viewpoint slightly. The weeds don't bother me provided they don't dominate - they add to the desolation. I certainly wouldn't highlight them more than you have. I do however prefer Daves PP and viewing this in the lightbox makes a big difference. Nice shot.

Your comment made me realize that the central sun may not be a desirable thing. Gives me more latitude and days to try another shot.