p.3 #3 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Kee
This photo points out that digital photos although greatly improved in dynamic range compared to film they can still suffer from a limited dynamic range. I've experienced this enough times that I religiously bracket my exposures at 1/3 increments one stop over and under.
This composition brings to mind Ansel Adams photo of black oaks in winter in El Capitan meadow. The trees on the right side of his picture lead strongly toward the background, which is Middle Cathedral rock. Take a look. Although not a reflection it's very informative example of a definitive and powerful movement with trees and a reflection is easy to imagine in his picture. You can imagine what I'm saying if you imagine moving 100 feet to the right and eliminating the tree on the left side of the frame.
This picture is a divided 1/2 foreground 1/2 background which for me at least would have worked if this was a more direct and simpler composition.
The dark shadows disconnect those tones from the rest of the photo and in my mind can't be reconciled unless they are not just opened up but add detail and openness and a connection to the rest of the tone scale of the photo. As they are now they are a steep contrast step from black the next point on the tone curve. Another argument that digital is not a cure all for dynamic range.
I see your attraction to the scene and it may have been difficult or impossible to consider other compositions, wait for the light to change, or deal with other constraints at the time.
p.3 #5 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Kee,
That's a beautiful composition, really like it. The colors look most natural on the first one. Making them pop like on tourist postcards downgrades the image.
Shadows are too heavy, but probably you were exposing for the highlights and just let the shadows be. Yes, they can be tolerated as is, but we do not want just to tolerate, we want to enjoy the image, right? Don't get mad on me, but I would shoot at least two frames, exposing both for the highlights and for the shadows, and combining them in PS.
p.3 #7 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
claudefiddler wrote:
Kee
This photo points out that digital photos although greatly improved in dynamic range compared to film they can still suffer from a limited dynamic range. I've experienced this enough times that I religiously bracket my exposures at 1/3 increments one stop over and under.
This composition brings to mind Ansel Adams photo of black oaks in winter in El Capitan meadow. The trees on the right side of his picture lead strongly toward the background, which is Middle Cathedral rock. Take a look. Although not a reflection it's very informative example of a definitive and powerful movement with trees and a reflection is easy to imagine in his picture. You can imagine what I'm saying if you imagine moving 100 feet to the right and eliminating the tree on the left side of the frame.
This picture is a divided 1/2 foreground 1/2 background which for me at least would have worked if this was a more direct and simpler composition.
The dark shadows disconnect those tones from the rest of the photo and in my mind can't be reconciled unless they are not just opened up but add detail and openness and a connection to the rest of the tone scale of the photo. As they are now they are a steep contrast step from black the next point on the tone curve. Another argument that digital is not a cure all for dynamic range.
I see your attraction to the scene and it may have been difficult or impossible to consider other compositions, wait for the light to change, or deal with other constraints at the time.
Such a wonderful note from you, I appreciate it very much.
Based upon your suggestions and other's, I have somewhat much deeper ways to process the image to convey how I felt that morning. I do have other sets of pano at different times from this location while the light is getting brighter in revealing the much darker tree areas. That will be very interesting to see.
p.3 #9 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
alatoo60 wrote:
Kee,
That's a beautiful composition, really like it. The colors look most natural on the first one. Making them pop like on tourist postcards downgrades the image.
Shadows are too heavy, but probably you were exposing for the highlights and just let the shadows be. Yes, they can be tolerated as is, but we do not want just to tolerate, we want to enjoy the image, right? Don't get mad on me, but I would shoot at least two frames, exposing both for the highlights and for the shadows, and combining them in PS.
Sasha.
Hello Sasha,
Long time! There are many different ways to process especially the dark tree areas. I am contemplating to reveal more to have a smooth transition to the rest of the scene. Let's see what kind of style I would prefer. Thanks for your suggestions. Whay am I going to get mad at you? Nice to seeing you again!
Kee
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Mataz426 wrote:
Wow unreal.
Hello Mataz426!
It was very nice to have your compliment on this image! Thank you!
p.3 #11 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Kee,
For my better shots I go through this drill time after time and usually have about a half dozen renditions that I toggle through before finally picking the one that's my favorite. For me its #3 but with the top left corner of #2. For some reason that top left corner of tree tops seems washed out in #3 and #4.
Dave
p.3 #12 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
On my last day staying at the Fox Glacier in New Zealand, the sky was somewhat better at last.
Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman were beautifully reflected into the calm Lake Matheson with some fog around.
My hiking into the Lake Matheson daily for the past three days gave me good exercise though.
Here is my preliminary processing before finalizing in the PS.
7 vertical shots pano.
Any constructive critics are always welcome!!
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I have just proceeded the procession through PS and its version is added. I am still looking for some critics and suggestions. Later I may just delete my preliminary version. Thanks!...Show more →
Nice! I think I prefer the colour in the earliest version: it gets more saturated later, and there is something both moody and realistic about the original.
p.3 #13 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Hello Dave,
Your suggestions and preferences are well perceived here. I am still working on this image and perhaps sometime later next week, I may be able to upload another (semi-) final version for more critic. I am quite fond of this image myself.
Kee
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Nice! I think I prefer the colour in the earliest version: it gets more saturated later, and there is something both moody and realistic about the original.
You know DavidBM, I am still working on this image, and your critics and feedback are very much appreciated. Cheers!!
p.3 #14 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
You know DavidBM, I am still working on this image, and your critics and feedback are very much appreciated. Cheers!!
Kee
Hi Kee
A lot of people have suggested lifting the shadows of the foreground trees. I'm not sure - and if you do be careful. I think the silhouette effect draws your eyes to the mountains in a graphical way, and too much detail in the trees would be distracting.
p.3 #15 · From New Zealand - Lake Matheson (Added Final Version)
Hi Kee
A lot of people have suggested lifting the shadows of the foreground trees. I'm not sure - and if you do be careful. I think the silhouette effect draws your eyes to the mountains in a graphical way, and too much detail in the trees would be distracting.
To be honest with you, I don't even like to show some of lighted part in the shadow either.
I will look into from many perspectives when I do the final processing.
The lifted and detailed tree areas are in some of my other sets when the sun rose somewhat higher.
Let's see how they will look. I promise that I will post them later.
