Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: alainbriot on January 26, 2014, 02:32:26 pm

Title: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: alainbriot on January 26, 2014, 02:32:26 pm

(http://beautiful-landscape.com/New%20Site.data/2014%20Images/_DSF0909-600.jpg)
January Sunset, Blackstone Coutry Club, Arizona.
Fuji X100s handheld. Camera review coming soon.

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: Christoph C. Feldhaim on January 26, 2014, 03:00:29 pm

Looks a bit like a hand raised for an oath - just its an alien hand with so many fingers ...
I like how you set the color and balanced the tones.
Where did you set color temperature?
I usually try something between "daylight" (5500 K) and "cloudy" (6500 K) for evening or morning light (often around 6100).
But I find it difficult sometimes to find the right spot between (over-)correction and a natural more blueish tone (which I often like).
I also find viewers react quite different - so - no way to please everyone ...

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: alainbriot on January 26, 2014, 03:29:25 pm

Hi Chris,

I actually go by feel rather than numbers when setting the white balance in the raw converter.  In any case, that's only a starting point.  I make the main adjustments in Photoshop, starting with the technical layers then proceeding with artistic layers.  The photo is basically ready to go after the technical layers are set, but it is only a technically accurate documentary photograph.  I use the artistic layers next to reach the level of personal expression.

Alain

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: Christoph C. Feldhaim on January 26, 2014, 05:02:21 pm

So it comes down to judging each photograph individually.
It took quite long for me to give up the illusion of  "right color" and I took long detours
through color theory and absorbed Mark D. Fairchilds book and stuff.
It wasn't wrong and helped me a lot.
But maybe the hardest thing in the end is to finally trust your own guts and develop sane judgement / a good taste and not try to please everyone.

Cheers
~Chris

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: Paulo Bizarro on January 27, 2014, 04:56:07 am

I like the view point, colour, and light. Well done. I do find the second cactus (?) in the background a bit distracting.

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: petermfiore on January 27, 2014, 07:57:24 am

I find that second cactus is very important for balance..take it away and the composition falls apart.


Peter

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: alainbriot on January 27, 2014, 11:20:24 am

Quote from: petermfiore on January 27, 2014, 07:57:24 am

I find that second cactus is very important for balance..take it away and the composition falls apart.
Peter

I agree.  When I first worked on the image I considered removing it, but in the end I decided to keep it.  I find it more intriguing than disturbing.  Nature made it that way and it does make visual sense.

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: francois on January 27, 2014, 11:35:44 am

Lovely light and wonderful sky.
What a beauty.

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: Rajan Parrikar on January 28, 2014, 01:04:45 am

The light and colour balance are beautiful.  Love those saguaros.

Title: Re: Arizona January Sunset
Post by: NancyP on January 28, 2014, 01:03:48 pm

For some reason the image of Shiva popped into  my head. All those "arms"......