Weather predictions for this weekend are "iffy" with higher elevation snow expected and a chance that snow levels overnight tonight into Sunday could be as low as 3500'.
That would put snow on the valley floor if it comes to fruition.
This scene was taken after sunset and with Half Dome by then obscured in swirling mist/clouds I focused my attention on the tableau to its right. The composition intrigues me and I have worked many photos of it over the years with both wide and telephoto lenses.
A pleasant bonus was that I ran into "G Dan" and Amador at the same location and we enjoyed an amiable chat. I'll look forward to seeing Dan's entry in the Yosemite Renaissance exhibit tomorrow.
Lovely light and composition here Chaz, and the swirling/misty clouds add nice interest as well. I like it a lot.
I like images with a good amount of contrast, but I'd be tempted to try this with a bit less... just a thought.
Very nice work.
Nice work on this one. I like the drama in the clouds and the bit of spotlighting from the sun. Thats great you ran into some other FMers, thats always fun.
I think you really nailed a nice comp here. The offset waterfall is quite different but it works well. The textures in the clouds are so complex with many layers and things going on. Love that. The light is also spectacular ... did you have to do a lot of burning and dodging? I would have guessed it was direct light, but you mentioned it was taken after sunset. Either way, the effect of the bright light highlighting the waterfall and parts of the forest really adds a lot to the scene. Hope you get some snow in the valley!
Mar 02, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Jonathan Huynh Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Gorgeous capture, however I'm wondering why the camera settings were chosen...? ISO and aperture seem a bit unnecessary for the DOF or shutter speed blur needs / preferences... Then again, the D810 can handle f/18 and ISO 400 like a boss, so I doubt too much info was lost...
ChrisKayler wrote: The light is also spectacular ... did you have to do a lot of burning and dodging? I would have guessed it was direct light, but you mentioned it was taken after sunset.
Thanks for your kind comments. I incorrectly stated that this was taken AFTER sunset. Actually it was taken several minutes BEFORE sunset, although I continued shooting until well after sunset.
The natural light appeared where you see it here, but I did slight dodging to bring it up slightly in the trees.
__________________________________
Jonathan and Bob: Thanks for the look and kind comments. Appreciated!
__________________________________
Matthewsaville wrote: I'm wondering why the camera settings were chosen...? ISO and aperture seem a bit unnecessary for the DOF or shutter speed blur needs / preferences... Then again, the D810 can handle f/18 and ISO 400 like a boss, so I doubt too much info was lost...
I wanted to be certain to get the close trees in focus as well as Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall, thus f:18. I also used -1 EV to dampen hot spots in the clouds (there are several very bright highlights above the frame that I cropped.) I also wanted to preserve the tremendous variation in the cloud textures.
I did a modest amount of shadow recovery in PS for the trees.
Thanks for your comments. Appreciated!
Amador wrote: Nice meeting you as well, Chaz! Good work here. You definitely captured the peak of the light!
Thanks, Chris. Comments appreciated and I enjoyed meeting you as well. Hoping to see your 4x5 work from the same day!
___________________________________
Chuck, m.sommers00 and Jason: Thanks, kindly, for the look and comments. Appreciated!
___________________________________
