Whittemore Gulch at Dusk

[Matt Tilghman]

Whittemore Gulch Trail is one of the more difficult hikes in Purisima Creek Redwoods, but also one of the most rewarding. There are steep ascents, but they repay you with stunning vistas over redwood forests, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. This view would indeed include the ocean on a fogless day, but those are rare in summer. Even though the fog is common, I still hope for it when hiking in this area, because it gives the photographs that distinctly California feel. And towards dusk, when it creeps further inland, I love how the gold sea of fog turns mountains into islands.


Whittemore Gulch at Dusk

[Chairman Bill]

Gulch is such an ugly word, particularly when used on conjunction with such a beautiful vista.

[luxborealis]

I am always amazed when a photographer can take what could only be a very high contrast image (brilliant sun down to forested shadows) and squeeze that tremendous range down into an image file - and still maintain punchy, natural-looking mid-tones without it looking like an HDR image. I've always enjoyed your work, Matt; it is always technically perfect and aesthetically dynamic.

And the best part is that you've told us how you did it! Thanks!

[Matt Tilghman]

Thanks for the kind words, Bill and Terry!

[louoates]

Great shot, great execution. Ocean not required.

[francois]

Superb, simply superb!
And the tutorial is also very interesting. Thanks for sharing your "secrets"…

[churly]

I'm late to the table but very nice work and thanks for the tutorial!
Chuck

[NancyP]

Very interesting tutorial, thank you very much for posting it. Yes, I am an HDR beginner, and use automation, Nik HDR Efx Pro II. I don't like a lot of the preset options, and generally go for the "natural" subdued options or custom selections process. Still, I am not happy with some HDR results, particularly in landscapes. The tutorial is very helpful, and I love the sun-blocking finger idea.

[mvsoske]

Outstanding!  As one who frequents mountains, your artistry makes me feel as if I were there.  Thank you also for the tutorial, as I struggle with the "packaged" HDR solutions.

Mark

[louoates]

Matt's wonderful image is an example of smart HDR use. It's a wonderful tool. Unfortunately, now that many HDR features are available on various photo apps, we will have the misfortune to see even more horrid HDR processing from the masses (Facebook, Flickr, etc.) over the next x years. Some good news: I attended a small street art show last weekend and am happy to report that I saw no HDR prints. At least none that jumped up and poked out my eyeballs. Maybe that craze had finally run its course, at least among tasteful photographers.