Please Critique

[Meerkat17]

First of all let me say that the image is slightly darker in the browser than it is in PS or when printed.

This was one of those ramdom shots - where you see something evening time and don't have a tripod at hand! I used the roof of the car and handheld the camera the best I could, 4 seconds at 4.5, ISO 800. There was a strong wind blowing so although the trees look out of focus its the wind which caused it, either that or its my bad attempt at using the car as a tripod! The moon also just came from behind the cloud on this shot - out of 5 this is the tightest one.

What I would like to know is "does it work?" Is the image moody enough?

Your input would be helpful.

Regards
David

http://www.btinternet.com/~David.Lewins/g5/images/scotspine_MG_0773C.jpg

[Hellashot]

I like the mood of it. Since you have a 20D, it looks like you should have gone to ISO 1600 or 3200. I've seen great images on those high settings and it might have enabled you to use a higher fstop or shorter exposure.

[JX]

I really like it. Nice shoot.

[Radtech1]

David,

I really like this one. You wanted moody and you got it. Well done. If I were to try to play, I might be tempted to fiddle with the contrast in the sky. Bring the clouds up a bit. All in all, excellent shot.

BTW - what lens are you using on your 20d? I know that some would complain about the sharpness (NOT ME, though!) but I find the 28-135 IS to be a great walk around. The IS on it does wonders.

Rad

[JulianoL]

David,

What do you think of accentuate the orange/red? It will give a more dramatic look to the photo.

[Meerkat17]

Thanks for the input guys,

Rad,
I'm currently playing with the image - then I check my mail to see what replies and there you are reading my mind about what I should be doing!:wink: I'll post the altered version as soon as I'm happy with it.

The image was taken this evening - the lense was a Sigma 18-50mm.

I'm hoping to order the 28-135 IS after Christmas to replace the Canon 35-80mm which is from my EOS 1000F and the Sigma 18-50mm. Plus I also have a Canon 100-300mm - these were just to get me started.

Cheers
David

[Radtech1]

David,

THIS (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=11304683) is what I am thinking when I mean "bring up the clouds"

Boy, I wish I was mine!

As far as the Midnight Sepia action goes, I found the direct link (http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm) . There are others there that look pretty good. Take a look at the "Painting with Light" action, and see if that might take your already excellent shot to the realm of outstanding.

Rad

[gex6]

I really like the mood, I think the clouds and colors all contribute to the mood :).

[Meerkat17]

Thanks again for all the positive feedback - here's one that I've been playing around with - however, there's certainly a lot of noise even though its been through NeatImage. Somehow, I still feel that the darker one appeals to my own taste.


http://www.btinternet.com/~David.Lewins/g5/images/scotspine_MG_0773C_2.jpg

Cheers
David

[Jon, The Elder]

My first impression was that it is a forest fire. defining a light source and some detail would help the minds eye define the scene.

It's always difficult to transfer from your head to screen/paper.

Keep trying - The idea is there, just needs to be revisited.

[dewmuw]

I much prefer the first one. Dark and moody with a sense of drama too it.


Reminds me a bit of The Starry Night by Van Gogh.

[JX]

Dave.



I like the first one better. I think if you go into Photoshop, and just bring out some detail in the trees, and just add a slight amount of luminance to the clouds so the mood of the picture is not changed.

[CDickinson]

First one is the best - try using selective color in PS to see what you can do about bringing things up or fading others.....

Nice. Great mood.

C

[Meerkat17]

Thanks CDickinson,
I'd forgotten about that tool and wow what a difference it can make to lightening the clouds on the first image. Will post when I'm happy with it.

Thanks also to everyone else for their comments and input.

Cheers David

[Meerkat17]

Here's an updated version - I've used the selective colour adjustment which CDickinson suggested and I feel that its helped bring out those whites in the clouds.

I'd be interested to know your feelings/further suggestions

Regards
David

http://www.btinternet.com/~David.Lewins/g5/images/_MG_0773C_3.jpg

[CDickinson]

Ncie job. I like the drama in it at this point.....

C

[Steven M. Anthony]

The first and last generate an omonous mood--a gathering storm...

My only question for you is in regards to your question of "Is it moody enough?" Moody enough for what?

[Meerkat17]

My only question for you is in regards to your question of "Is it moody enough?" Moody enough for what?
To catch peoples attention!