A Planet Far, Far Away

This is a photo of the rock formation called, "The Window" in Big Bend National Park. If you go to BBNP, you are obligated to take a photo of the sunset through The Window. Everyone does. I wanted something different so I varied the exposure to try out HDR. I was very new to HDR and didn't really get enough overexposed shots to bring out the rocks in the foreground, but at least I didn't go totally black. I was also new to processing HDR and at that time the early version of Photomatix did some really oversaturated, otherworldly things. So, I started there and added a bit more Vibrance, Saturation and Contrast and this was the result...

Gorgeous color, Patti. It has so much depth to it. I might like a little cropped off of the top but it's beautiful as presented:)

Patti, The colors are lovely. I have never been there. I am assuming that this is level even though it doesn't seem level. The rocks have plenty of detail for me. I took some of the color cast off the rocks and lightened them a little- also added some USM. Also slight rotation. Just a different version but it just gives you some ideas and this image has tons of possibilities. Hope I make it there some day.:)

Great job Patti! Wonderful colors, and composition. Although you didn't include EXIF, I have ways--- anyway ISO 100 will help bringing out detail from the dark foreground better than higher ISOs having been used. I see Denise had that idea as well, but since you have a full sized image you can do it better. Excellent. regards~Bill

Thanks Cheryl. I think you are right. The very top doesn't add much.

Denise, Thanks much for taking the time to rework it. I love what you have done! There is more detail and removing the color cast off of the rocks really makes a huge difference. I wouldn't have thought to do that. It probably isn't level... I struggle with that.

Bill, Thanks. Not sure what you mean about the ISO. This is three images that were combined in a very early version of Photomatix. When I got Photomatix, I went back through all my photos and when I shot more than one at different exposures, I put them through the program. The EXIF for the three photos is:
40169: 1/80, f5.6, ISO 100
40170: 1/160, f5.6, ISO 100
40171: 1/50, f9, ISO 100 (As I said, this is before I knew how to shoot for HDR. I changed the aperture:eek:)
I think that when I was shooting, I probably thought about getting more DOF and that's why I changed the aperture from f5.6 to f9, but I forgot what I ate for breakfast yesterday, so remembering why I did things back in 2007 is impossible.:D

Nice image and application, Patti.

Nice colors and tones.

Patti, great colours and I think that the repost works very well.
Best,
Nicki

Great colors, Patti. Love the composition. Beautifully composed.

Patti, does look other-worldly to me too! I really like the colors and rugged scenery. Denise covered the minor tweaks with her repost. Well done!

PS - I also think you could use this image as a base for some other interesting effects. ;)

Drawn to this image as soon as I saw it, lovely colours and tones. Agree with crop suggestions and an excellent initial attempt at HDR. Mine were only worthy of the 'delete' button! :)

Many thanks to all for the looks and kind comments.
Patti

Spooky Patti. I love the blues in the middle. I think the darkness in the rocks adds to the feel.