Camelthorn Sunset (part 2)

[Morkel Erasmus]

This is a closer composition of the scene from my previous post (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=47082). This is not cropped from that photo, it is an entirely new photo. I used the 100-400 L to get a closer frame with the sun and the tree balancing each other out better.

I would love to hear your suggestions to make this one better?

Techs:
Canon 40D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 220mm
f5.6 @ 1/640 SS @ ISO-400
Exp +0.3

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Morkel,
I think this one does balance a bit better between the tree and sun. Did you try adding a bit of selective color to the blacks.....just to darken the tree a touch? This may add a bit of contrast boost to the FG grasses too.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Hi Roman

yeah I actually boosted blacks significantly in blacks, neutrals, whites and reds.
also applied local contrast enhancement.

will add some more?

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Morkel,
Here's another thought you may want to try......lighten the FG grasses and such first. Try a little color correction on the tree in either color balance or desat the reds in it.........then add more blacks to entire FG.....if I get some time I will give it a shot....but if you beat me to it....re-post.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Roman

tried some of your suggestions in this repost (worked quite quickly so let me know where I screwed up ;))

[Fabs Forns]

Agree with Roman in darkening the midtones. That is one of the faults most common in processing HDR landscapes. I think I'd add even more that the repost.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Fabs. this is a single exposure, so no HDR applied. maybe I should try a pseudo-HDR , generate 3 different exposures from the RAW?

[Dennis "Curly" Buchner]

Keep playing with it Morkel as it needs more contrast.