Look Behind You

[Judy Howle]

I was photographing a sunset and turned around and saw this amazing cloud behind me on 8-21-10. 5D 2, ISO 400, f11, 1/80s.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Judy, You've been getting some amazing cloud formations and this is no exception. Very strong with alot of impact. I like how the comp was handled with the clouds as the strong center of interest and the shoreline shown as a frame of reference of the environment. I also like the inclusion of the pads on the rt where I can make out the detail. Nicely done!

[David Stephens]

Yes, very nice cloud formation and lighting from the setting sun. The composition is strong and you got the exposure just right for me, particularly considering that there's quite a bit of dynamic range here.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Judy,
Sky looks a bit HDR'ish.....worked......but it works nicely for me. The cloud and colors are spectacular with just enough FG to keep interest. Very nicely done!

[Rene Quenneville]

Great composition. What a cloud formation! Nice capture.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks to both Daves! I did saturate it to bring out the colors more, and the detail/contrast. I'm sure you could tell. ;) This is a more realistic version for those who might prefer it.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Roman and Rene!

[Robert Amoruso]

Judy,

You learned a big lesson, always look behind. Would not be the first time I was surprised while photographing a sunrise/sunset. ;) Everything else covered above. Nice work.

[Tim Munsey]

That's some cloud, extraordinary, thanks for sharing

Tim

[Morkel Erasmus]

awesome sky - so often we don't pay attention to what display nature is holding behind our fixation with something much less grandiose :)
repost rocks...

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Robert, Tim and Morkel!

[Myer Bornstein]

Judy

Love the original and you are right no matter what you are photographing look around the may be something even better there :D

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Judy,

I think the re-post is a tad better than the original. It is truly a beautiful cloud formation. Agree with Robert's note about always looking behind yourself when shooting sunsets. I find often that there can be more interest there than the actual sun rising over the horizon.

Well Done! A beautiful capture!

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Myer and Andrew! Yes I like the re-post better too. They always look more saturated on here than in Photoshop or Explorer to me which is why I reworked it.

[Arthur Morris]

Ditto Andy. It is spectacular. It looks like a huge, huge jellyfish.

[Melissa Groo]

Absolutely stunning cloudscape! Great composition.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Artie and Melissa! I knew it reminded me of something I couldn't put my finger on, a jellyfish!