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