Yare Valley, Norfolk, UK

[Andrew Stannard]

Hi,

I would like to share the following two pictures for comments and discussion. Both were taken on an evening trip to the River Yare valley in Norfolk - My first trip with a recently purchased 10-22mm (on a 20D). Both images shot in RAW and converted using RSP.

I arrived in the area about 1 hour before sunset, hoping to capture some wide views of the setting sun across the marshes. However, I struggled with composition - the 10-22 lens capturing so much that it was hard to find an image with a good focal point. Eventually I came upon this dead tree, with just enough time remaining before the sun was lost.

Although I like both the images, the composition in the second seems to add an element of 'harshness' that I find somewhat out of sync with the mood of the landscape at the time. Would appreciate others thoughts on this.

Also, what are peoples' thoughts on the ethics of cloning out vapour trails - there are a couple that I would like to get rid of, but always feel as if I am cheating a bit when I do! I am also tempted to clone out the long reed that cuts across the river in the first image....


All comments appreciated,

 

[Don Lashier]

I like them both, but the second one is outstanding. It's the sky color (gradation) and lack of background distraction that makes it.

- DL

 

[Asher Kelman]

Andrew,

I like both images. I wonder whether you might post the first image as a 1200 pixel wide unaltered, uncropped jpg for people to offer optimize. It would go in the Retouch forum with Tim Armes moderating. I see a lot of potential for different interpretations.

Asher

 

[Don Lashier]

Andrew,

first image ... see a lot of potential for different interpretations.

I agree, in particular bringing out the foreground might work wonders.

- DL

 

[Andrew Stannard]

Thanks for the comments...

I like them both, but the second one is outstanding.

I really can't decide which I personally prefer! If I try to look at them objectively, then I too think the second is better image. The composition has a certain 'cleaness' to it which I think works well.

However, I do find it slightly annoying in that it wasn't the type of image I was looking for when I set out that evening! I think it is a lesson to myself in being prepared to adapt to the conditions that present themselves.

I wonder whether you might post the first image as a 1200 pixel wide unaltered, uncropped jpg for people to offer optimize.

Am happy to do this Asher - can I simply add the post myself, or do I need to go through Tim? Incidentally, it's actually the top that is cropped off, so 800 wide by 1200 up? It will probably be tomorrow when I get around to it - getting late in the UK now

 

[Don Lashier]

However, I do find it slightly annoying in that it wasn't the type of image I was looking for when I set out that evening! I think it is a lesson to myself in being prepared to adapt to the conditions that present themselves.

It rarely works to set out with a specific shot in mind. Be an opportunist - go out when the conditions are right and keep an open mind. Many of my best shots have been unexpected, and otoh when I've gone after a specific shot I often ended up with mediocre results.

- DL

 

[Asher Kelman]

Andy,

You can post directly, but let Tim know too. 1000 pixel wide is fine. Ask people to post as 600 pixel wide. You have two choices: Give your own title and your intent or else leave that for people to interpret without any refernece or restraint. Both ways are fine, but entirely different!

Asher