R Gary Butler, QPSA
December 2020 - Fall Sunrise Letchworth Park
Original
About the Image(s)
THis image is a 5 shot HDR shot at =/- 2 EV total range. It was shot at ISO 200, 16mm focal length at f/16 with a Polarizer filter. My velometer was sent to capture a group of 5 shots every 30 seconds. I ran it from 20 minutes before sunrise until 10 minutes after sunrise. This was approximately 5 minutes after the effective sunrise above the far hill.
I processed in Photomatix Pro 6 using "Balanced" presets. InLR I made some minor adjustments before adding a Graduated ND filter to the sunrise. In DxO Viveza I worked on localized Brightness and Saturation. When finished I used Topaz Studio 2 AI sharpen to add detail. Lastly, In On1 Photo raw I used luminosity filter to select only the sky and add a 35% opacity Fibers Texture to the sky.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
(Group 52)
It looks to me like you have captured the sunrise at exactly the right moment The sun star is sharp and the orb is still close enough to the horizon to avoid a large blown out area. In my opinon the composition works well with the river leading into the background, taking my eye directiy to the the sun star. The fall colors are appealing and the contrast with the blues really works for me. Well done. Posted: 12/04/2020 07:27:46
Pictures like this always remind me Fruit Loops cereal with the colors! Some great leading lines in this image all taking the eye into the sun, which is a beautifully captured starburst. I like what you did with the sky in bringing color back into it compared to the original. And that rock shelf really adds to the grandeur of the setting. The river is a nice contrast to the foliage on both sides of it and provides another leading line. Kudos! Posted: 12/04/2020 09:58:50
Again Gary, I am amazed at what you can accomplish in post processing. This is not to say you had a lot of deliberate work and planning taking the multiple shots at the right time in the right place. I like the way the Genesee River leads the eye to the sun. The colors are spot on, not too saturated, simply naturally beautiful. Splendid work. Posted: 12/04/2020 19:37:32
It was just a right timing for capturing the sunrise that just on the horizon line, and the color of the sky adjusted very well done. Those trees colors show seasonal autumn climate, looks beautiful image!In my option, the sun's starburst seems too harsh to me, the morning sun should be presented a bit soft and warm. And in reality point of view, the sun direction is on the far hill, so some area of front side shouldn't be illuminated or the contrast should be more against the area that being shined...please don't mind for too much comment. Posted: 12/05/2020 04:18:39
(Group 4)
Louis, thanks for your feedback. I will consider a bit heavier GND on the sunrise. As for the hills in the foreground, their brightness is better "questioned" than stated to be too bright. What you, the viewer cannot see and understand is that these trees are already being lit be the reflection of light off of the the sheer rock wall that is just below my camera. Posted: 12/05/2020 07:24:20
I really like what you have done with the photo! Beautiful colors and leading lines. As everyone has said, great capture on the rising sun. I am impressed with how many softwares you have knowledge and usage to bring out the best in the shot. Great shot! Posted: 12/06/2020 18:14:26
Hi Gary, It is a beautiful picture. I drove to Letchworth Park and Fingers Lakes,NY this Fall 2020, I found it difficult to take pictures for a big park like Letchworth Park because it stretches too many miles. Your picture is great, you could capture the sun, river and the cliff. I would admire your skill of postprocessing to make the image outstanding. I could recommend it could be added light clouds to fill the plain of sky. Thanks, nice shot and very nice composition. Posted: 12/10/2020 19:51:54