Pyrenees Mountains' Lotour Valley

[Mike Buckley]

My wife and I spent three days hiking in the Pyrenees mountains recently and learned in the process that the Alps and the Rockies have nothing over these marvelous mountains. We enjoyed our walk through the Lotour Valley more than any valley we have experienced. The valley, which is in France very near the border with Spain, is very narrow with huge mountains rising on both sides, with a stream of waterfalls and cascades down the middle, and with cattle grazing here and there.

This is the first time I've done outdoor photography that can take full advantage of Adobe's Dehaze tool released last year. It was so enjoyable to use because of its effectiveness, ease and flexibility. If you shoot outdoors and haven't tried using it, I strongly encourage you to give it a serious look.

The monochrome photo was captured by my wife and post-processed by me. I also captured an image of the same mountain in the clouds that, naturally, is not as good as hers.

[terrib]

Both very nice shots, Mike. Looks like you were there at a good time too for the wildflowers.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[george013]

Nice pictures. Somehow I think b/w doesn't fit here.

Did you walk some of the GR10?

George

[selig1656]

Nice captures , but she takes the prize on a well composed pic and the sheer beauty she captured, well done in monochrome

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone!

Terri: There was a moderate amount of wild flowers. Most of them were yellow.

George: No, we didn't walk any part of the GR10. I would be interested in the characteristics of the monochrome image that lead you to the conclusion that it should have been in color.

Raymond: I'll pass along your compliments to my wife. She isn't as experienced as I am, so she doesn't take as many good photos as I do. However, she usually takes the best photo and she certainly took the best photo of the hiking portion of our trip.

[Donald]

I think I've written before that Mrs B has a wonderful eye for composition. She seems to have that inbuilt ability that 'sees' a well constructed and balanced image.

[Mike Buckley]

You have written that before, Donald, and in my mind you have been correct every time. I'll let my wife know your kind thoughts.

[KimC]

Both images are lovely Mike; however, my favorite has to the one your wife took -- it's beautiful!

I use Affinity's dehaze tool and love their version as well.

[Kaye Leggett]

Lovely photos of a gorgeous area - will have to put it on my list next time I am that way. I do like the B&W, great composition and great conversion - you should both take the credit.

[Wavelength]

Excellent landscapes; liked both of them

[george013]

Thank you, everyone!

Terri: There was a moderate amount of wild flowers. Most of them were yellow.

George: No, we didn't walk any part of the GR10. I would be interested in the characteristics of the monochrome image that lead you to the conclusion that it should have been in color.

Raymond: I'll pass along your compliments to my wife. She isn't as experienced as I am, so she doesn't take as many good photos as I do. However, she usually takes the best photo and she certainly took the best photo of the hiking portion of our trip.

This picture and the monochrome conversion, b/w, is killing the perspective it would have in colour. By giving the trees the same color as the mountain the picture is flattened. I think the color version will give more perspective, a difference between the foreground and the background.

I walked 4 days the GR10 from the east to west. We got lost after the first day for the guide was written to walk it from west to east. We ended somewhere in Spain picked up by the Guardia Civil with the rifles pointed at us. Brought to a police office where the front door was closed and only opened after a check who was outside. It was the time of the ETA, the 70's.

George

[Mike Buckley]

Unbelievable story, George! Fire that guide!

Thank you to Kim, Kaye and Nandakumar.

[Black Pearl]

Ooo - that monochrome is superb. Full of menace and majesty.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Robin! I've already passed along your compliment to my wife.

[IzzieK]

I am just glad that your wife also loves photography. That is a plus.

[bnnrcn]

Both very nice images Mike . I have seen the images shot by your wife from time to time and they are all good, she really has an eye for photography. But I have to tell you that your PP added to the image too

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to Izzie (I previously overlooked her post!) and to Binnur!

[Rita]

They are both lovely images but, sorry Mike, I think your wife wins out on this one

[Kathy O]

Nice captures , but she takes the prize on a well composed pic and the sheer beauty she captured, well done in monochrome

Both nice shots but I have to agree, the B/W made me say WOW!