This image was taken with my Sony RX10 in SteamBoat Springs, Colorado, where we spent Christmas week with my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. The town of SteamBoat has a lovely, paved trail along the Yampa River, and the light was glowing over the partially frozen river. I found this viewpoint, allowing me to capture a bit of the foreground and the meandering river leading into the distance. In post-processing, I cropped and straightened the horizon, reduced the highlights to eliminate a few over-exposed areas and added a bit of vibrance and clarity. From a compositional standpoint, I considered cropping more of the sky, but I didn't want to remove the hint of blue sky at the top. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And Happy New Year!!!
5 comments posted
Darcy Johnson
Hi Ingrid - The lighting makes this image - the colors radiate and create impact! I agree with your choice of leaving in that bit of sky, although I'm not sure it matters. My eyes are drawn to the winter landscape. A small nit - that bit of orange fencing that stands out at the center right. Your post processing is well done - love the color balance in this image. This is a beautiful image - well done! Posted: 01/07/2025 20:23:34
Ingrid Lockhart
Thanks, Darcy. I never even noticed the orange fence and can easily make it go away! Posted: 01/07/2025 22:49:52
Tom Brassil
Hi Ingrid, lovely image, I particularly like the low angle of the sun creating long shadows and highlights in the foliage and providing texture to the riverbank and snow. The river creating the leading line gives a degree of mystery to the viewer as to what is around the next curve of the river. I think the sky is appropriate for this image and your choice to leave the blue in gives another suggestive element of the environment. All in all beautiful image. Posted: 01/11/2025 01:48:43
Ingrid Lockhart
Thanks, Tom. I really appreciate your comments! Posted: 01/16/2025 02:23:17
Gregory Waldron
Hi Ingrid,
I agree with the previous comment from Darcy and Tom. I also think leaving the sky in was a good call.
