Peter Clark, APSA, GMPSA, EFIAP/p, FRPS  


Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland by Peter Clark, APSA, GMPSA, EFIAP/p, FRPS

December 2017 - Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

About the Image(s)

The last time I passed by this iconic Scottish location some 30 years ago it was hard to see through the rain - not unusual for that part of the UK! Returning from a week on Skye at the beginning of this November and undeterred by the fact that we had been driving through yet more rain we decided to call in on the off chance that there might be some light around and there was! Entering the car park we saw the whole castle lit up against a dark sky with double rainbow - lighting to die for although it lasted only a few minutes and the rain returned. A real stroke of luck being in the right place at the right time.

Image captured hand held on a Panasonic GX8 fitted with the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 set at 17mm (35mm equivalent 34mm) - 1/400 sec at f5.6, ISO 200 with -0.33 stop exposure compensation.

Initially processed in colour with a little Tonal Contrast in Nik CEP 4 followed by a couple of masked Curves layers and the Vibrance edged up a touch. A small area of scaffolding on the LH edge of the castle was removed by cloning. Prior to converting to monochrome the rainbow was desaturated on a masked Hue & Saturation layer which made it easier to clone out once converted to mono in Nik SEP 2. IMHO rainbows do not work in mono as they convert to a light toned arc with little tonal variation and draw the eye. Further adjusted on 3 Curves layers and the dark shadows on the castle relieved on a masked Shadows/Highlights layer. As usual this jpeg was sharpened using the High Pass filter in Soft Light mode and sharpening halos removed.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays and may the light be with you in the coming year.

Peter


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




Ella Schreiber   Ella Schreiber
Hi Peter: Just another lovely image! I love the leading line of the bridge, the reflection of the castle in the water, a great sky... and... NO HALOS! ... Would never have known you removed scaffolding if I did not read your description prior.   Posted: 12/07/2017 10:18:03



 
A great image Peter. I echo Ella's comments. Just one other point, the sky appears grainy to me. I am not sure if its the jpg size or not. In either case, is a minor point.   Posted: 12/07/2017 15:36:15



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Peter
Firstly very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.I have seen quite a few images of this castle this sits at the top of the pile for me its so atmospheric the icing on the cake for me is the light falling on the distant hills great composition beautifully edited and as I say so atmospheric.   Posted: 12/11/2017 12:08:07



John Gilkerson   John Gilkerson
As Ian says, a subject we see frequently.
However, very few efforts are as good as this one.
The timing did help but also your composition is just about perfect.
A super image.   Posted: 12/11/2017 12:10:55



 
Hi, Peter!

The result was a high-quality and interesting landscape. Very good!

As for all, in advance, Peter, best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I wish you creative success and waiting for new wonderful landscapes!   Posted: 12/24/2017 09:09:23