I'm with you about the sun. That area of sky is just over exposed and lacks detail. I have two solutions, one old fashioned and one modern. The old fashioned fix would be to use a GND filter on the left side of the image while shooting. This would darken that area of sky and quickly solve the problem. The modern solution would be to shoot two image one about 1.5 stops lower and then blend the two in PS during processing.

While I like the image (love the fall colors that I do not get much of in Florida---see my image this month) I feel the image is just out of balance. The large mass of tress on the right feel ponderous compared to the left side. For me the left side feels just out of place.   Posted: 01/05/2025 15:05:26

Hi Larry,
the posted result is the application of -4EV applying both options. The sun the sun is the sun and always burns a hole in the image.
As for balance - I have to agree to some extent.If I took a complete frontal view of the lake then it will look complete flat.Do you think it is still preferred to have a flat mirror over less balanced ?

  Posted: 01/05/2025 15:48:57

I agree with Larry that it feels a bit unbalanced and would consider either your flat image approach or bringing out more color and interest on the left side of the image to give the eye a chance for more balance. I like the realistic colors in the image and the sharpness of the tress. There is one other remedy for a bright sun: Create a blank layer in PS, then select the color next to the blown out area, paint the blown out area with that color and then blend it into the layer below.   Posted: 01/05/2025 17:12:41

A beautiful autumn scene with perfect reflections. About the sunspot: My easy way of solving this is to clone in the nearby clouds with a low opacity. Just remember to do the same with the reflections.   Posted: 01/19/2025 08:35:39

Thanks Adi for showcasing an image that has helped me learn a lot from its comments. I would definitely try to do what Michael and Larry suggested.
As for the composition, I would like to see what is there on the left too.   Posted: 01/19/2025 10:22:27

Hi Adi. What a stunning location and the leaves are so colorful. The reflections in the water are beautifully captured. I share the sentiment of others that the image feels heavy on the right side. I love the touch of fog on the left and wish there were more of that section visible. I wonder if a 16:9 crop might help to alleviate some of the heaviness. As for the blown-out area in the sky, today's AI tools could assist, or you could carefully clone the sky and its reflection. Thanks for sharing!   Posted: 01/19/2025 19:59:46