Marti Buckely
About the Image(s)
This was taken during the PSA Conference in Spokane. The Palouse is a really neat area to photograph with rolling hills. Unfortunately it was overcast and very windy and the images weren't the best. However I used Topaz Adjust - Spicify and did some tweaking. I straightened the horizon as well. By adding some contrast, I was able to get some of the details in the hills.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
12 comments posted
Jerry Biddlecom
Very well done. In my opinion, the overcast made this shot. There is a real feeling of vastness, isolation, cold, and desolation. Your figure gives a sense of a photographer venturing out against the elements to capture the shot. I like the artificial colors from the pink of the coat and black of the equipment and the way they contrast with the drab natural surrounding colors. My only complaint would be that you are placed a little too close to the bottom. Otherwise, great shot! Brrrrr ...   Posted: 03/05/2020 08:32:44
Mike Patterson
A very nice, wonderfully composed image. The woman in the pink jacket added a touch of the story element as well as a pop of color.   Posted: 03/08/2020 20:18:44
Joseph J Zaia
Apart from what Jerry and Mike said, I just love the color tones you brought out in this image. I would not change the composition, but I would crop a bit of the sky… I know you wanted to straighten the horizon, but not all horizons are straight. I think if you keep a little slant, it would give the picture more character.
  Posted: 03/11/2020 18:45:42
  Posted: 03/11/2020 18:45:42
Peggy Reeder
I agree with Joe about the color tones. Really, really nice textures and patterns. I have only seen pictures of the Palouse when it is all green and gold, so this is an unusual departure from that. I also like the colors in the sky, particularly at the horizon, but it would benefit from a small crop at the top. Also the photographer seems a bit cramped at the bottom, but you could add some canvas there and clone in the added ground and rocks. Very nice.   Posted: 03/12/2020 05:56:36
Marti Buckely
Peggy Reeder
Yes I like how that positions the photographer.   Posted: 03/15/2020 14:06:05
Jerry Biddlecom
Now that I think about it, the soft box effect, plus the vastness of the landscapes, reminds me somewhat of the opening shots from 2001 A Space Odyssey.   Posted: 03/12/2020 21:15:59
Al Swanson
It looks like a chilly day. I've only been there in the early fall when things were green and being harvested. So this is a unique perspective for me and I like the color tones a great deal. The image of the photographer in the bottom part of the frame does tell a story, but I am more fascinated by the background with the rolling hills and sunset. Good coloration.   Posted: 03/13/2020 10:54:28
Marti Buckely
Thanks Al. It was a miserable day. So windy you had to hold your tripod while shooting. As you can probably see from the original, the out-of-camera coloring wasn't the best. Lots you can do with PS and Topaz. :)   Posted: 03/13/2020 11:15:14
Joseph J Zaia
That is fine Marti, but I notice tel-tale signs of repetition. There are three levels of repetition in the right bottom corner and in the bottom left edge. You can easily fix that by cloning from another part of the picture.   Posted: 03/14/2020 09:32:05
Marti Buckely
You're right - it was a quick fix. Eagle-eye as usual. LOL   Posted: 03/24/2020 14:37:35
Kaylyn Franks
The wind on top of Step Toe Butte can be wicked at times. I have shot the Palouse in the spring multiple times, but yet have made a fall shoot. The image you have taken truly captures the vastness of this country. The photographer gives perspective to the grandeur. I like how you gave the photographer more space and agree with Joe the repetition can be cleaned up.. The overcast skies create a moody feeling, which I like. When the skies are overcast and gray, I focus on the leading lines of the land. It can make for some magical images.   Posted: 03/24/2020 09:50:44