Big Bend National Park

[Barbara Ponder]

A couple of landscape photos of locales in Big Bend. I am still working on the landscape thing so CC is especially welcome.

This is called "The Window" and is where water flowed through at one time, wearing away the rock.




This is on an overlook, high up (high up for Texas) The clouds were clinging to some of the mountains.

[Donald]

I don't know what your processing workflow is, Barbara, but for me, especially in the second one, the clouds look 'overcooked' a bit. It seems as if you've gone for getting as much detail out of them and in doing so I feel they've begun to look a little unnatural. I'd call the effect you've created 'over-tonemapping'. And in the first one it seems to have the effect of flattening the detail in the rock faces when what they need, I think, is a bit more 'pop'. Anyway, just a thought.

The first one, in particular, is, for me, an excellent composition. It is all matter of personal vision and intent, bit for me a change in the processing workflow could make it have much more impact.

[John 2]

Two nice landscapes Barbara. My only thought is that particularly in the first one, the mid tone contrast is a bit flat. A tweak using the middle "Levels" slider (Photoshop) would do it.

[Shadowman]

Nice compositions, the processing has a watercolor look to them. Have you tried printing and if so what type of paper? I think prints, even 4" x 6" forces us to evaluate our editing skills differently. For instance, if you were to print this on matter paper it might make you consider adding more contrast.

[dje]

Hi Barbara

I like these shots too, I think the compositions work well. I also agree with the advice you've received already.

A Levels adjustment would improve the contrast in these images and I also think they would be good candidates for the new ACR/LR dehaze filter if you have it available. If you are able to try it, you will probably find you need to back off the saturation of some of the colours after applying it.

Failing that, some Local Contrast Enhancement (using the Unsharp mask with high radius and low amount) and/or some Clarity adjustment would help.

Dave

[IzzieK]

I thought this image need a bit of vibrance and saturation on the greens instead...I like the texture of the clouds in #1 as I have seen similar ones that I cannot forget whilst I was in Oz recently...I even asked my son at the time why the clouds over there are more pronounced than the ones in Missouri...Both are good compositions Barbara, #2 clouds are a tad overdone and the grass need a bit more pop on both. But what do I know...I am only commenting on how it looks to me...

[Donald]

But what do I know.

As much as anyone else ... and are able and willing to put that into words and share it with others. Which is what it's all about. Nobody needs to take on board what anyone else says, but if the comment is given in the spirit of constructive criticism, then one comment is as valid as any other.

[Barbara Ponder]

I don't know what your processing workflow is, Barbara, but for me, especially in the second one, the clouds look 'overcooked' a bit. It seems as if you've gone for getting as much detail out of them and in doing so I feel they've begun to look a little unnatural. I'd call the effect you've created 'over-tonemapping'. And in the first one it seems to have the effect of flattening the detail in the rock faces when what they need, I think, is a bit more 'pop'. Anyway, just a thought.

The first one, in particular, is, for me, an excellent composition. It is all matter of personal vision and intent, bit for me a change in the processing workflow could make it have much more impact.

Donald, thank you for the input as this is truly not my forte. I believe I used an HDR effect on these which is probably causing the overcooked part. It was a preset that I tweeked a bit. Wonderful and thoughtful critique which is very much appreciated. I shall go back and see if I can apply your suggestions. I find landscapes to be VERY difficult and I really want to get better at them as they are such a wonderful way to capture a memory of a trip or place.

[Barbara Ponder]

Two nice landscapes Barbara. My only thought is that particularly in the first one, the mid tone contrast is a bit flat. A tweak using the middle "Levels" slider (Photoshop) would do it.

John, thank you for the input, i am going to revisit this one taking in mind the suggestions I have received.

[Barbara Ponder]

Nice compositions, the processing has a watercolor look to them. Have you tried printing and if so what type of paper? I think prints, even 4" x 6" forces us to evaluate our editing skills differently. For instance, if you were to print this on matter paper it might make you consider adding more contrast.

John honestly have not thought of this and it is a great idea. Too often I just send out to the lab and forgo seeing the result prior to doing so. I will be doing this from now on. Thanks for the tip!

[Barbara Ponder]

I thought this image need a bit of vibrance and saturation on the greens instead...I like the texture of the clouds in #1 as I have seen similar ones that I cannot forget whilst I was in Oz recently...I even asked my son at the time why the clouds over there are more pronounced than the ones in Missouri...Both are good compositions Barbara, #2 clouds are a tad overdone and the grass need a bit more pop on both. But what do I know...I am only commenting on how it looks to me...

Izzie, you know a lot and are always kind to share your input! I am going to re-work them with all the wonderful suggestions in mind. The clouds here can be magnificent, especially recently. There are days I would love to capture them but don't think I could do them justice, they just seem to pop out of the sky, you can almost feel the texture with your eyes.

[deetheturk]

All were missing is a couple of Cowboys nice captures Barbara!

[IzzieK]

As much as anyone else ... and are able and willing to put that into words and share it with others. Which is what it's all about. Nobody needs to take on board what anyone else says, but if the comment is given in the spirit of constructive criticism, then one comment is as valid as any other.

Thank you for your encouraging comment, Donald...that certainly says a lot in this community of learning.

[bnnrcn]

Lovely compositions Barbara I agree with the comments above about the PP work.

[Barbara Ponder]

Lovely compositions Barbara I agree with the comments above about the PP work.

Thanks Binnur. Things are getting a little hectic here but as soon as I have some time I am going to reprocess these. I hope to be able to get them to a better place with all the great feedback I received.