Persistence Pays Off for Jay
Jay Wild - Moses Cone Sunset - Lightroom Version
Jay Recently attended the Blue Ridge Photofest 2012 in Boone and, “Was inspired by the weekend of photography and excellent instruction.” Those attending gathered at Moses Cone Park on a Friday afternoon hoping for a chance to capture a spectacular sunset but as often happens when something like this is planned in advance, it just didn’t happen. On the following Sunday, Jay returned and above is the colorful result of the second attempt. He used a tripod and cable release and carefully composed the scene, taking a series of 3 shots, 2 stops above and 2 below plus the indicated exposure. The 2 stop underexposure provided the best sky so Jay chose this one to process in Lightroom. Looking at the original, which is posted below, only the very brave would have attempted to bring out the foreground but he took the plunge. Relying mainly of the shadow and highlight sliders, he managed to create the final image which is both a tribute to Lightroom’s processing capability using a RAW file and Jay’s skill and tenacity.
Jay Wild - Unprocessed RAW File
The standard approach to bracketed images is to combine and process the various images as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) and the photo below is the result of processing in Photomatix Pro, a software designed for exactly this purpose. It has the advantage of reducing the noise which is the result of attempting to recover detail and color from such an extreme underexposure and perhaps gives a more realistic photo of the sunset but perhaps not as “artistic” as envisioned by the photographer.
Jay Wild - High Dynamic Range Version
The dry riverbed does curve off to the left in a pleasant way, with the trees providing an adequate soft landing. Related to this, it does beg the question whether the scale of the receding fence posts tower slightly in relationship, but they do hook the eyeballs from flying off to the left of the sheet. I also like how the diagonal bracing in the posts are echoed by the bar that fell down in the next bay – a product of a well timed bit of wet-rot, waiting for a photographer to turn up.
This is gorgeous! I love it! The composition is perfect, the color and tone is so very beautiful and it’s as if you can reach in and touch the grass. Very good work, Jay!!
I love Jay’s adjusted photo. It definitely is the most warm and striking.
Wow…….I like this shot, the curve of river , the fence , beautiful sky and background. It’s amazing!!!!
Nice– The road on the left keeps drawing my eye that way but I know you take what you have.
great composition and all else….
This is an amazing shot. The fence leads you deeper into the magic. The foreground perfect and of course that amazing light tickling everything in between. Bravo!!!!!