Under the Pier

[cfpackerfan]

Took these last weekend at Newport Beach, CA.
I was going for a dark look, but I think they may be a bit too dark.
What do you think?
CC welcome.

[Dchemist]

I think you are right they are a bit too dark. Some of the pier texture would help alot IMO. I liked the first - it does a nice job of leading your eye and I like the symmetry. Dennis

[misspix]

I love the composition in no. 1. A little more detail in the pier would be good, but I do feel the 'moody' I think you were after.

[BearLeeAlive]

I love the composition in no. 1. A little more detail in the pier would be good, but I do feel the 'moody' I think you were after.
Yup, exactly my thoughts to Cat.

Not that I can't think for myself or anything, maybe it's because at home my wife likes to do it for me. ;)

[Ariane911]

I'm not a pro or anything....but the compo. in the first one looks supurb! I love it.

[Pete]

Looking great, Cat... Yeah, the top halves of both shots are pretty dark. Can't help wondering what kind of a result you'd get in simply cropping off the top 50% of each one, you'd get some really interesting forms out of them.

Just a thought...

[Pete]

Just messed with these, dunno how they grab you...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/pete-pier1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/pete-pier2.jpg

[nrellas]

I wish I had the time to post a version, but I would lighten #1, a little less contrast, then spot burn back in on the poles the color and texture, becuase I love those.
#1 really works for me, you did a great job composing it.
Nick

[cfpackerfan]

Thanks for your replies everyone. :D
Pete, those look good!
I really like the difference it made in #2, because it's the reflection that is interesting in that one, so it emphasizes that.
In #1, it lightens it up, but takes away too much of the symetry (for me).

I'm going to keep working on them, follow some of Nick's advice, and see what I can come up with.

Thanks again!! :D

[Photo Gib]

I really like these Catster. If you have the raws try using "Shadow/Highlight" under Image - Adjustments. It should bring out the shadow detail without messing with overall levels and contrast in a big way.

[cfpackerfan]

Thanks Giblet. :D

I played around with them a bit more. What do you think?

#1 I adjusted levels. (Didn't try any burning as Nick suggested, but I'm still playing with it) I just can't seem to get it right. :confused:

#2 I started over. I left this one the original color, then adjusted shadows, highlights, contrast, etc. Is it better?

[Photo Gib]

They're both better. Did you shoot raw or jpg? If you didn't shoot raw I'd try shooting that way whenever you can. You'd be surprised at the detail you can pull out of shadow and highlights with Raw.

Either way. I think the composition is very good and levels are much better in the last iteration. kudos seniora Catcat. :cool:

[cfpackerfan]

Why thankee Gib.... ;)
I do shoot RAW.
I used RSP to adjust the shadows and highlights a bit, then used PS to do the rest.
The conversion of #1 was done with RSP.

[BearLeeAlive]

I like your latest PP better too Cat. The last shot does not do much for me but I really like the first one lots.

[Athena]

Comp on the first one definitely gets my vote. Nice one cat. :)

[Wes]

I like number 2, but I'd increase the contrast to lose all the pier detail and leave yourself with a really nice abstract.

Good stuff.

Wes

[azle]

great photography! i also think photo 2 would look better lightened but other than that its beautiful!

[Mgdh]

Great shots Cat. Personally, I prefer your second edits. Good work bringing out the detail of the wood in the underside of the pier in #1

Pete - good work on the crops. I see the effects of the club are beginning to rub off on you and you're looking beyond the basics already. Sometimes they do help don't they. Mind you, other times it can be very subjective.

[cfpackerfan]

Thank you everyone for your input. I appreciate it! :D I agree that the lighter edits look better, so I stuck with those.
I have #1 in my 'work on' folder though...that one will be so much fun to play with. Maybe a Dragan effect, eh? :p

Mark, I agree with you about Pete. ;) :D

[BearLeeAlive]

Pete.....you.....can be very subjective.

Mark, I agree with you about Pete. ;) :D
Mark, caught your inner meaning, it seems Cat did too. I can't agree more, but that's what make Pete so darn likable. ;)

[cfpackerfan]

Perfect editing Jim. ;)

[Stav_98]

Love the first, not so keep on the second.