Talk about being in the right place at the right time with the right equipment and the right knowledge. The image definitely stands on its own as a great photo. However, now that we know that you are taking along your large family on these trips, it makes it even more amazing that you're able to come back with such winners every trip. You are mortal, right? I'm starting to think that you have superpowers and can control nature.
Thanks so much to all of you. I'm so glad you enjoyed this shot.
ajkessler wrote:
Very powerful shot, even without the story. Is this only one shot? Did you double process and blend? Just curious. Also, the bright spot in the middle of the cloud is pretty distracting. I'd try to darken that up to match more closely the rest of the cloud. The focus should rest solely on that pool, then up through the storm, then up through the cloud. Right now my eye goes immediately for the hotspot in the middle, then down to the pool and just sort of stops. The blocked up shadows in the rear aren't too distracting for me, but I'd fix that cloud and then this would truly be a knockout. Glad you were able to get it done ...Show more →
This is only one shot - double processed and blended, just as you suspected. I processed the photo for the foreground and storm, and a second time for the bright part of the sky. I didn't want to bring down the sky too much - especially the bright spot, since doing so would eliminate the depth in the cloud. The amazing depth in the sky was part of what I wanted to capture, so I made sure I brought in the highlights without losing the contrast. Let me see if I can return some detail to those shadows you point out, though.
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to comment.
Ethereally lovely. Quite extraordinary light, lines, curves and billows of cloud. The slight angle of the approaching downpour gives this image such dramatic impact, as much as the intensity of that grey curtain of pelting rain. And the pool itself is such a soft and mystical blue calmness in the middle of al lthat turmoil in the sky.
You have done such justice to an extraordinary moment of weather, and of light. It is a delight to see what you have made in this image!
I bet that mushy banana sandwiches have never tasted as good, as within the shelter of the car afterwards...
The more I examine this spectacular photo Varina , the more I appreciate the great composition and relationship between the storm cloud and the concentric colours of the mineral pool. I am sure the small image presented here doesn't nearly do it justice. Another inspiring winner!
Critique it? No way! Varina, as others have said, I am constantly amazed at the beauty of your art. Especially under such conditions, it's not like there wasn't any pressure to make sure you got the settings right. Simply superb, and I wouldn't change a single thing (how does one improve on such mastery?)
