It’s true, you do get what you get in the field, and the job is to make it work. However, based on how well one knows an area, and knowing what to expect, compromises may have to be made to get your shot.
The lead image is a good example. Walking into Tent Rocks, it’s pretty clear of hikers when it opens. There are no lines to get in, as we have at iconic scenes on the east coast. The sky was cloudless and the sun was at an angle, creating deep shadows and blown out highlights. From previous years, I learned that this “off the beaten path” park gets heavily trafficked later in the morning. So, rather than risking being in the line of foot traffic on the way out, I chose to take the shot on the way in.
Compositionally, I used the tree on the left to merge with the super bright area in order to try to make the brightness less of a distraction, then added the large bare roots on the right to frame the background tree. I really liked the way the elements were distributed and was hoping that I could get a viable image thru processing.
Here is the infrared raw file.
Here is the conversion to B&W infrared.
- The blown out rocks and deep black shadows were the issues. After toning down the highlights and opening up shadows in lightroom, there was still a need for more targeted adjustments. This is where Tony Kuyper’s Luminosity actions come into play. Highly recommended.
2. With the TK actions, I was able to target specific levels of brightness, midtowns, and shadows. Specifically, the highlights are toned down and the black shadows within the roots now have a little detail.
3. I used the dodge tool (on a separate layer) in photoshop to brighten the pathway and again to brighten up the trees on the left side of the pathway. Tip: It’s important to keep the opacity low (3-4%), and to dodge/ burn on all three ranges in the dropdown (using a soft brush): Shadows, midtones, highlights.
4. Next, I used a control point in Viveza to add contrast to the top of the distant tree, which, also darkened the sky above the tree.
5. Finishing up with a global contrast “bump” – In the unsharp mask filter – percent=20, radius=50, threshold=0, all done on a separate layer, and adjust the opacity, if needed.
That’s it. Just a random thought.
Pouperri
• Please check out our 2016 Visual Artistry Nature/ Landscape photography workshops.
NEWSFLASH!
• Our brand new Creativity Seminar video download is now available from Masterphotoworkshops
• FOR SALE: Our Tamron 150-600mm lens is For Sale. I’ve returned to using exclusively Nikon. The lens is light and sharp. I can send a raw file if anyone is interested. Drop a line if interested.
Random samplings: Images of 2015
Thanks for taking the time and we’ll see ya online.
Tony
Please share!
New blog post from Tony Sweet Photography: “You get what you get”
Click To Tweet
The post A random thought: You get what you get. appeared first on Tony Sweet Photography.