Dan Landis
January 2018 - No Title Supplied
About the Image(s)
This was taken in the Eastern Sierras, at a location known as “Buttermilk Rocks,” not far from the eastern Yosemite entrance. I used a Canon 5D Mk III and a 17-40 zoom, iso 100, f22. I also used a 3-stop neutral density graduated filter. I am submitting this photo because I feel I need advice. I am aware that the foreground is a bit busy, with too much going on. I intended the yellow sage to be my foreground interest, but, still, the viewers’ eye wanders a bit in the foreground. I like the morning light on the distant mountain. It was one of those “severe clear” mornings, with no clouds in the sky. Is this photo doomed to mediocrity?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Hi Dan,
How about this thought. Emphasize the yellow bush, the mountains and a path between them. Then darken the edges with 2 grad filters in lightroom to create a sense of diagonals. This is rough and I realize that there are halos in by the hills. Posted: 01/14/2018 12:09:08
How about this thought. Emphasize the yellow bush, the mountains and a path between them. Then darken the edges with 2 grad filters in lightroom to create a sense of diagonals. This is rough and I realize that there are halos in by the hills. Posted: 01/14/2018 12:09:08
I like your idea, Ken. This photo is in desperate need of a leading line.
Posted: 01/14/2018 17:45:23
Posted: 01/14/2018 17:45:23
As it is, the mage is a bit busy and is weakly composed for a landscape. Ken pointed out a good way to improve both by darkening the upper left and lower right. You can do it with gradients from the upper left and lower right. I went a step further and lightened Ken's path from the rock to the mountain. Posted: 01/19/2018 11:04:13
Thanks, Larry,
I think your idea is about the only way to rescue the image, and I think I will spend some time trying to make the path look natural. Posted: 01/19/2018 20:02:58
I think your idea is about the only way to rescue the image, and I think I will spend some time trying to make the path look natural. Posted: 01/19/2018 20:02:58
Dan, I can see how this beautiful scene caught your eye. The suggestions made definitely give the eye an easy path to the mountain with the morning sun. I cannot not add anything to that. Nice work. Posted: 01/19/2018 14:59:05
It is a shame that you have to add false tones to help some people to see through an image that has for me a natural stepping stone effect to the lovely coloured rocks in the distance. I think you have seen and capture a nice natural seen. I agree some gentle toning to the landscape to emphasise the line you want them to follow. But I would not extend that toning to the sky. Nice picture. Posted: 01/21/2018 09:39:38