Light and Shadow - Japanese Maple

[Bill Dix]

D90 w/ 18-200 VR @ 18mm
ISO 800; 1/60s. @ f/18
Matrix metering, Ap Priority, 0 EV, AF-A, HH

This was shot out of my front door several hours ago. When I first noticed the light, there was a lovely mist rising off of the wet grass. But in just several minutes that it took me to move an offending garden hose, grab the camera and change lenses, the sun had burned off the mist and changed a lovely ambiance into something more ordinary. But I'll post it anyway for possible advice on how to improve it the next time. There was a huge dynamic range and I clipped both the lights and the darks beyond recovery in RAW; in my haste I forgot to change the ISO. I'll try it again in a few weeks when the leaves start turning red.

Comments welcomed. Bill

[Julian Mole]

Hello Bill,

I think you're right to ask for advice, as these are the types of images I struggle with. I can see how the mist off the grass would have looked very nice in this scene, I like the framing you chose to use.

Looking forward to the 'knowledgeable' people's responses,

Julian. :-)

[Dave Leroy]

Too bad about the mist; it is a lovely setting however. Looking forward to the change in colours. I really like your idea of catching the light coming through the shaded trees. Dave

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Bill,
I like the composition and capture, I actually like the mist peeking through the trees...:) It adds to the mood. The framing is just right and I like the shadow details...looking forward to your next one...:cool:

[Kyle Marie Barcelos]

I like the way you framed the tree, I think when the leaves change and you do the same image it will be a whole different mood. Like the sun coming through also. Can't wait to see the next one:)

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Telephone pole in the BG is a bit distracting. Nice image, play with W/B some as well. Do you shoot auto, daylight etc?

[Alfred Forns]

Great comments .... can add to accentuate the shadows over the grass a bit more Will give it some extra depth !!

[Bill Dix]

Thanks for the comments. I shot it with WB in Auto, but warmed it up a bit after the fact. I might try to play with the WB some more as you suggest, and maybe add a bit more contrast to increase the shadow. The thing that looks like a telephone pole is a tall tree, and I agree the image would be nicer without it.

Bill

[David Thomasson]

I love the dawn feel of this and hope you catch it another time at the opportune moment. (Check for clutter and set your camera before you go to bed! :D).

This is a fun one to play around with ...

[Julian Mole]

How did you alter the image David? ...Please tell.

[David Thomasson]

How did you alter the image David? ...Please tell.

Hi Julian,

It was mostly curves adjustment layers selectively applied. Brightening effect was painted in where the sun illuminates the leaves and grass. A slight darkening effect and color adjustment for the shadow area at left. Also added a bit of mist at ground level (white on a blank layer, with motion and Gaussian blur to smooth it out), and created some sunbeams to augment the traces of sunbeams already there.

[Bill Dix]

Nicely done, David. I know who to come to next time I need sunbeams.