Ruth Sprain  

Herman Lake View by Ruth Sprain

October 2020 - Herman Lake View

October 2020 - Ruth Sprain

Original

About the Image(s)

I took this photo on a hike to Herman Lake this summer in Colorado close to the Eisenhower Tunnel.

When we arrived, dark clouds filled the sky and sprinkles of rain started. After lunch I walked closer to the lake and took this shot to capture the lovely Little Red Elephants and Indian Paintbrush. I purposely shot the scene on the dark side, so I captured the details in the clouds.

I used my Canon EOS 7D at f22, 1/500, lens 18-200 mm, focal length 18 mm.

In PhotoShop, I adjusted the color, changed the exposure, straightened the line of the lake, dodged and burned, cloned out a few of the distant hikers, added a vignette, and sharpened. This was a new hike for my husband and me and we were glad we went while the wildflowers were so pretty.

This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted

Kieu-Hanh Vu   Kieu-Hanh Vu
Beautiful scene! For this image, you have brought out the beautiful flowers in the foreground in post processing. However, I like the drama of the sky and the hills of the original image more.
I'd prefer to blend the drama of the sky & hills in the background to the beautiful flowers in the foreground.
  Posted: 10/05/2020 03:53:51
Ruth Sprain   Ruth Sprain
Thanks for your comments. I can see why you like the dark clouds, Kieu-Hanh. I was trying to stay more faithful to the weather of the day, which wasn't that ominous.   Posted: 10/16/2020 10:08:16
Mary Ann Carrasco   Mary Ann Carrasco
This is a gorgeous landscape photo. It brings one right into the scene. My only suggestion would be to let some of the shadows on the hillsides remain so the light coming thru the middle will be very dramatic. You have brought out the colors beautifully.   Posted: 10/06/2020 16:39:41
Ruth Sprain   Ruth Sprain
Mary Ann, You're right that darker shadows of the hills in the background would help. I had brightened the shadows to lighten the foreground flowers, but needed not to overdo it. I appreciate your comments.   Posted: 10/16/2020 10:10:33
LuAnn Thatcher   LuAnn Thatcher
Beautiful image, Ruth. Is this one you will enter in competition?

I agree with Kieu-Hanh, about the clouds in the sky having better drama. But if you submit this image in nature photography category, you won't be able to blend in the sky. But I think you have enough pixels to work with; I assume your ISO was low during this time of day.

The only thing I can add is the horizontal balance seems off. It feels as though the image is lower on the right. I am gaging that feel from looking at the pink flowers in front. What do you think?

Best regards,
LuAnn   Posted: 10/07/2020 14:05:30
Ruth Sprain   Ruth Sprain
LuAnn, thanks for your comments. I did enter this image in competition and straightened the line of the lake before I did so. I entered the image in the "open" category, so I was allowed to clone out hikers among other changes.   Posted: 10/16/2020 10:13:30
 
What a great moment in time. I love the lighting and clarity you got. The clouds really add to the overall feeling of the image. The sharpness you go throughout is great.

Ruth, I want to let you know that I will be leaving the group come November. It has been a pleasure and honor to discuss photography with you for the last 6 years. I wish you the best in your future photo endeavors. Snap Away!   Posted: 10/26/2020 13:56:05