Here's another version, a little more subtle. I had two effects going here from Color Efex, "Sunlight" and "Graduated Fog". Perhaps the two simply don't go well together eh Karen?
I'm puzzled by the apparent light source causing the brighter area at the top of the image .... Likely the "sunlight" filter. Were it fog, the top would be darker and less saturated - hence the unnatural look. At least to me.
Yes, the second is closer but the lighting is problematic.
You might take a stab at masking the fog effect from the two (L & R) foreground trees. I think this is "telling" on the applied effect, because we'd see the closer trees more clearly than the more distant ones. As it is in the image, the tops are foggier than the bottoms, but that doesn't correlate to what we'd see in person for the most foreground tree in particular.
OK, so I tried to make it more realistic with some masking at different %'s from front to back, does it look any better now? I have a client who loves this picture and I'd like to make it as realistic as possible. Thanks in advance!
Maybe a little adjustment to the foreground trees blue bark. A touch too blue for my usual taste, but it might be one of those times where it adds to the ambiance ... just something to consider, not sure if it'll help for realism, or if it'll undo "the look" in the process ... a delicate balance you're working with here to be sure. Be judicious & patient as it "comes to you".
Also, I think with the foreground tree masking ... I'd like to see the heavier fogginess (or split the diff) of the first one in the background. You might consider the bright spot @ TLC. It pulls my eye a bit, which helps widen the view, but without it, it doesn't compete with the central path as much. Just a few different thoughts ... neither better, nor worse, just for consideration @ your preferences.
OK, I think I've got it now, toned down the blue a teeny bit (didn't want to lose it all for the sake of the ethereal feeling) and put back some of the fog on the foreground tree.
Better, but it still looks odd to have the floor of the forest brighter than the upper fogged parts. The mind expects the floor to be darker because fog attenuates light.
Took a stab ... tried to lower the floor a bit per Karen's rec. Probably kinda tough to do any real good working from these mid process, but for gist ...
Thanks Bob, I like both of your versions, the foggy one is just a bit too foggy for my vision, the BW version is rather nice!
Kent - I know Karen suggested it, but I think your version just shows too much darkness on the bottom, even though I DO like it. I really was going for the ethereal, sort-of fairy world look. Got a friend who is into that look and I think my final version is more of what she was looking for. Guess we'll know when I share it with her!
Thanks to everyone, you all had great suggestions and I very much appreciate your input.
Jo Dilbeck wrote:
Thanks Bob, I like both of your versions, the foggy one is just a bit too foggy for my vision, the BW version is rather nice!
Kent - I know Karen suggested it, but I think your version just shows too much darkness on the bottom, even though I DO like it. I really was going for the ethereal, sort-of fairy world look. Got a friend who is into that look and I think my final version is more of what she was looking for. Guess we'll know when I share it with her!
Thanks to everyone, you all had great suggestions and I very much appreciate your input.
Interesting the varying interpretations - fog to eye level or ground level as @Oregon Gal portrayed.
Re BW - I think some possibilities there, looking again it lacks 'presence' but with some highly selective sharpening, dodge & burn, I think it could get there. I would be interested in seeing your final version, color or BW, should you decide to pursue it.
