That’s very kind of you to say. Sometimes when a photo of mine gets this kind of response I’m completely taken by surprise. I don’t think this is false modesty, I know it’s a good photo, I’m just surprised that others find it that good. I do tend to be my own harshest critic though.
Yes, I know what you mean about being your own harshest critic. Still, I’m glad you are getting the recognition. You deserve it. You really do make quite stunningly beautiful photographs.
Ok Rick, pull up a chair. I’ll give you a quick rundown here, but I really like the “anatomy of a photograph” idea so I’ll be giving you credit for my very next blog post.
First for the gear freaks, the original raw file was captured with my trusty Canon 40D and ProMaster branded Tamron 17-50 f2.8. All mounted on a Gitzo GT-2541 Mountaineer tripod. I also used a HiTech 3 stop (.9) NDGrad filter.
Manual mode, which I’m using more and more over AV, 21mm @ f11, 1/100 of a second, iso 100.
My editing starts in Lightroom 3 where I’ll set my blacks, and make any exposure, highlight and white balance corrections I need. Then, as with almost every image I find worthy of sharing, they go through Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0.
My most frequently used, and favorite, filters in CEP are the Brilliance and Warmth filter, settings vary by image, and then the Tonal Contrast filter, again, settings vary.
Call me a lazy post processer, but I make full use of plug-ins and presets to achieve the results I have in mind when I click the shutter. BUT, and it is a big but, if I don’t feel the original capture is worth the time, good bye, see ya, let me introduce you to Mr. Delete. I don’t save much of anything that I know will never see the light of day.
While I do take every advantage of the software I have, I don’t believe in the “fix it in Photoshop” mentality. Software is there to complete my vision, not correct my screw-ups.
You’ve given me a great idea for my next blog entry, where I’ll have before and after for each step of the way.
Great shot of a sunset Jeff. Your final comment is what I’d like to see. What the photo looked like in the beginning and just what the changes you made did. Convince me I need Lightroom to improve my shots. Where is this, Baxter Lake?
Actually it is the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury/Dover. This was taken from the side of French Cross Rd. in Dover. I just about could have had one hand on the camera and one hand on the guardrail.
Thank you Jude. This is a great little spot that I drive by every day. With the mild winter we’ve been having, I knew once I saw how much open water there was, I had to stop soon or there would be too much open water for the photograph I wanted.
God Bless your eyes … you see superb visions.
I am always awestruck each time I view your images.
Your work is eye candy. I am have a sugar overdose.
Thank you for creating such masterpieces.
Isadora
Yes I did use an ND grad, three stop to be exact, but not sure which smooth line you are referring to. The transition between the ice and open water, or the horizon?
The “starburst” effect is a result of a small aperture. The smaller the aperture the more pronounced the effect, the more wide open you shoot the less of an effect you get. The one big ray/reflection of the sun is from setting the camera low to the ground. If you want to get good reflections of the sky, the far shoreline, whatever, as they say in limbo, “how low can you go?” I can’t tell you how many pairs of pants have that have at least one worn out knee from getting low with my camera 🙂 Maybe I should start bringing knee pads.
Thank you Patti. It’s comments like yours that let me know I’m on the right track with my photography. It is always a pleasure when someone else likes one of my photos. Something I never get tired of or take for granted. I truly appreciate every positive comment I get.
Love it! The composition is perfect. There is so much going on in this scene but the colors and flow make it peaceful at the same time. You make it look effortless 🙂
Waiting for your ‘Contrast’… 🙂
Ask and you shall receive 😉
That is quite beautiful!
I’m very happy to hear that. I never tire of compliments like that. So feel free to keep them coming 😀
Another stunner. WOW! You just blow my socks off, Jeff.
WOW.
DING-DING-DING-DING, we have a winner in the “Who can do the most for Jeff’s ego” category! Thank you Karina!
It’s not ego if it’s true…right?
That’s very kind of you to say. Sometimes when a photo of mine gets this kind of response I’m completely taken by surprise. I don’t think this is false modesty, I know it’s a good photo, I’m just surprised that others find it that good. I do tend to be my own harshest critic though.
Yes, I know what you mean about being your own harshest critic. Still, I’m glad you are getting the recognition. You deserve it. You really do make quite stunningly beautiful photographs.
And see? Everyone else agrees!! 🙂
Oooh pretty!
I’m glad you like! Thank you for taking the time to say so, I really appreciate it.
Very nice capture. I always enjoy learning the details behind shooting an image and how it was edited. When you have the time and don’t mind…
Ok Rick, pull up a chair. I’ll give you a quick rundown here, but I really like the “anatomy of a photograph” idea so I’ll be giving you credit for my very next blog post.
First for the gear freaks, the original raw file was captured with my trusty Canon 40D and ProMaster branded Tamron 17-50 f2.8. All mounted on a Gitzo GT-2541 Mountaineer tripod. I also used a HiTech 3 stop (.9) NDGrad filter.
Manual mode, which I’m using more and more over AV, 21mm @ f11, 1/100 of a second, iso 100.
My editing starts in Lightroom 3 where I’ll set my blacks, and make any exposure, highlight and white balance corrections I need. Then, as with almost every image I find worthy of sharing, they go through Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0.
My most frequently used, and favorite, filters in CEP are the Brilliance and Warmth filter, settings vary by image, and then the Tonal Contrast filter, again, settings vary.
Call me a lazy post processer, but I make full use of plug-ins and presets to achieve the results I have in mind when I click the shutter. BUT, and it is a big but, if I don’t feel the original capture is worth the time, good bye, see ya, let me introduce you to Mr. Delete. I don’t save much of anything that I know will never see the light of day.
While I do take every advantage of the software I have, I don’t believe in the “fix it in Photoshop” mentality. Software is there to complete my vision, not correct my screw-ups.
You’ve given me a great idea for my next blog entry, where I’ll have before and after for each step of the way.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks! Really enjoyed your comments. I love the Nik Software plugins. Again, great image.
Thank you again Rick, and you are very welcome.
Great shot of a sunset Jeff. Your final comment is what I’d like to see. What the photo looked like in the beginning and just what the changes you made did. Convince me I need Lightroom to improve my shots. Where is this, Baxter Lake?
Actually it is the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury/Dover. This was taken from the side of French Cross Rd. in Dover. I just about could have had one hand on the camera and one hand on the guardrail.
Wonderful photo. Great job!
I like it.
Thank you! It always makes me happy when someone likes my photographs.
Nice picture. Beautiful colors.
That is superb Jeff! Love the way the lake looks partly frozen and partly smooth. A really great photo.
Thank you Jude. This is a great little spot that I drive by every day. With the mild winter we’ve been having, I knew once I saw how much open water there was, I had to stop soon or there would be too much open water for the photograph I wanted.
wow, thats beautiful. I love the colours too 🙂
Thank you Brenda, and thank you for stopping by for a visit.
Gorgeous!
Great!
Thanks!
Fantastic! Love it 🙂
Thank you.
Just in case I missed anyone, and for any future visitors, I really appreciate all the kind words and compliments on my photographs.
I can’t thank you all enough!
God Bless your eyes … you see superb visions.
I am always awestruck each time I view your images.
Your work is eye candy. I am have a sugar overdose.
Thank you for creating such masterpieces.
Isadora
THANK YOU! Between you, AlohaKarina, and all the other wonderful comments, I’m not sure my ego can take anymore!
You are way too humble to have a huge ego even with all the compliments.
Just keep sharing your wonderful creative photography. ~~~ : – )
love the picture 😉
what a great photo…..I love it…did you use ND grad filter to create that smooth line & perfect ray light of the sun
Thank you, I’m glad you like it.
Yes I did use an ND grad, three stop to be exact, but not sure which smooth line you are referring to. The transition between the ice and open water, or the horizon?
The “starburst” effect is a result of a small aperture. The smaller the aperture the more pronounced the effect, the more wide open you shoot the less of an effect you get. The one big ray/reflection of the sun is from setting the camera low to the ground. If you want to get good reflections of the sky, the far shoreline, whatever, as they say in limbo, “how low can you go?” I can’t tell you how many pairs of pants have that have at least one worn out knee from getting low with my camera 🙂 Maybe I should start bringing knee pads.
This colour are amazing ! Lovely photo ^^
Thank you, and thank you for taking the time to say so.
WOW! Beautiful!
V-e-r-y nice.
Wow, this is such a breathtakingly stunning photo! (:
A perfect balance of colours and landscape. I really love this photo!
A great shot!
Amber. xx
Thank you Amber, what a great compliment! I’m glad you stopped in for a visit.
Beautiful lines and fabulous colours!
Just WOW. This is simply genius!
Just THANK YOU! I really appreciate it. My wife would beg to differ on the genius part though 😀
Hi Jeff …
hope you’ll take a peak at my attempt at the challenge ….
Thanks, Isadora
http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/weekly-photo-challenge-contrast-yellow-rose/
Done, #2 is fantastic!
Striking colors.
Thank you!
Not sure what to say that hasn’t been said already about your superb scene . . . I say as I wipe away a wistful tear of awe!
Thank you Patti. It’s comments like yours that let me know I’m on the right track with my photography. It is always a pleasure when someone else likes one of my photos. Something I never get tired of or take for granted. I truly appreciate every positive comment I get.
What a stunning photograph! Just beautiful!
I really appreciate such a gracious compliment, thank you!
such gentle sunset colours to contrast the silhouette of the trees in the background.
thanks for sharing this beautiful moment.
You are ever so welcome, and thank you for the compliment!
wow. beau.ti.ful!! love it!
Hang on, wait a minute…
Nope, I never get tired of hearing compliments like that.;-) Thank you very much!
lol. you crack me up!!
Thank you very much, I’ll be here all week. And please, don’t forget to tip you bartenders and waitresses 😀
Stunning capture, Jeff! The colors and textures are stunning, and that starburst effect is the icing on the cake.
Thank you.
I haven’t seen anything from you in my inbox in a while. I always expect a few nice photographs in your posts.
Love it! The composition is perfect. There is so much going on in this scene but the colors and flow make it peaceful at the same time. You make it look effortless 🙂
Stunning photograph. One of the most beautiful photograph for this week’s challenge. Love it. Great shot. 🙂
Thank you very much, I’m glad you think so.