Summer Dreams

[geospatial_junkie]

Took this at 500mm with my Tamron and a ND filter. It was processed in photoshop with some minor bleaching effects and some cross-processing.

http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/336227217_rFmHg-L.jpg

[geospatial_junkie]

Oops.. forgot to mention there was a slight bit of cross-processing as well to tone down the greens.:D

[polosoftphoto]

I really like the photo, but the green is a little much. I love the way the green pops on the top half but the reflection in the water is a little much. Maybe if you cut off the bottom 25%. Just my 2 cents.

[geospatial_junkie]

I considered cropping the photo, however, I felt that I lost some of the depth if I did that. I am still considering it though.

The greens is something I have struggled with as these are not punched up at all. I think though, this is one of the things that attracted me to the scene. Ultimately, I tend to process the image for print rather than screen (just because I'm lazy... I know I should make 2 copies), but the greens are slightly toned down in the print copy.

Thanks for commenting!:D

[whitley]

I would agree with geospatial...perhaps for different reasons. The shoreline seems to be very near the midline of the photo which seems to take something away compositionally. In addition, the shore seems to be sloping down from left to right. Perhaps you could look at a crop that straightens it. That being said, there are many pluses. I love the vibrant colors, the choice of subject and the deep contrast.

[geospatial_junkie]

Thanks Whitley,

The reason I didn't straighten the shoreline is because it is actually going away from me. I wanted to keep that depth and not make it static. I do agree with the image being very close to the midline. I'm wondering if this photo could break that rule though.

[geospatial_junkie]

I'll repost here tonight with the shoreline straightened out and see what everyone thinks.

[whitley]

Thanks Whitley,

The reason I didn't straighten the shoreline is because it is actually going away from me. I wanted to keep that depth and not make it static. I do agree with the image being very close to the midline. I'm wondering if this photo could break that rule though.

I thought that might be the reasoning for the slope and yes, I agree that part of being a good photographer is knowing when to break the rules in favor getting the better picture. My comments perhaps should have been in the spirit of "what if you tried this?". I'm not a nature shooter so my remarks may be off target.

[geospatial_junkie]

Of course not!!!! I wouldn't have posted here unless I wanted critique and you had a valid one. I'll digest the critique, try it out, and repost. None of us learn if we don't listen. :D

[Vysionous]

Are these reflections real? They look unreal to me. They're making the picture so crowded. I'd lose them if I were you, but if you insist then at least vignette them. :)

[geospatial_junkie]

I can't remove something that is real. Sorry!

[geospatial_junkie]

As per request!

The original (yes the reflection is real):
http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/336874307_xSZ5G-L.jpg

Slightly cropped and horizen straightened photo:
http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/336881001_ZCqfF-L.jpg

My thoughts are I've lost some depth in the cropped and rotated version. :dunno

[Vysionous]

You know, I really like the original pic better.

[Tango]

me piping in....

love the reds and wood tones

i think you need to concentrate on the verticals not the horizon in this shot....the first shot was right on. but the flg pole has its own issue with straight.

the lime green in the orig keeps drawing my eye down...i think you should keep the pop of the colors in the refections except the lime. match the natural tree colors

other than the fact im jealous that someone has a cabin, dock, boat and a shack of their own this shot is a good one.

[geospatial_junkie]

Thanks Aaron. I'll try what you said and see how that turns up!

[geospatial_junkie]

Ok... This is a repost following Aaron's suggetion. I tried to tone down the greens in the reflection. This is a subtle change, but is it enough?

Original Correction:
http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/336227217_rFmHg-L.jpg

After Correction using a digital ND grad filter (approximately 1 stop):
http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/337259655_WN6KK-L.jpg

And fixing the flagpole:
http://Cartographica.smugmug.com/photos/337269978_JEfu2-L.jpg