Morning light over Yosemite

[Indranil Sircar]

I took this image on a very cold morning last Saturday... I was standing out there for couple of hrs for something to happen when the first hint of sunlight suddenly illuminated the lower clouds. For this week theme, I used multiple filters - topaz simplify, detail and then fract each on separate layers. Each of the filters gave distinct character to this landscape. I then used layer masks to paint with different shades of brush to create the final image. Hope you like it...

[Richard Lovison]

Indranil,

I like the mood created by the blue hues as well as the simplification in the landscape. The fractalius effect in the sky adds drama and the combination of all of the above creates an otherworldly look. Well done. I hope someday to be able to visit and photograph that part of the country.

Richard

[denise ippolito]

Very cool effect Indranil, I love Yosemite and can't wait to get back there. I might go in August -I have a flight credit that is burning a hole in my pocket! I like the composition and the way you revealed some of the detail. Nicely done.

[Paul Lagasi]

Indranil the sky is awesome, a lovely work, the waterfall wow..interesting place I'll probably have to see this spot someday...

[Judy Howle]

I love the sky and the waterfalls. You combined the filters and textures very well. What a beautiful vista. I hope to go there someday.

[Steve Adkins]

Lovely rendition of a classic view, Indranil. Wonderful combination of effects!

[Indranil Sircar]

Thank you all; appreciate it a lot.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Indranil, this is one of my favorites of yours. It has such a luminous quality to it and there's so much to catch your eye. Beautiful work

[Andrew McLachlan]

Indranil, love the effects the filters have created, particularly the fract on the sky - awesome! A beautifully captured landscape too!

[Christopher Miller]

Beautiful image, Indranil. I love the lighting and filter combination. The fracced sky really creates drama. Very nice work!

[Maureen Allen]

This is beautiful, Indranil. What a dramatic and interesting view!

[Arthur Morris]

Wow. This one is beyond killer great. I love, love, love the sky and the placement and impact of the tiny waterfall is fabulous. Just for the heck of it I would love to see the before for this one.

[Indranil Sircar]

Thank you all for the feedback. Appreciate it very much.

Wow. This one is beyond killer great. I love, love, love the sky and the placement and impact of the tiny waterfall is fabulous. Just for the heck of it I would love to see the before for this one.

Hi Artie, thank you for your kind words. Here is the original.. i bracketed for multiple exposure compensation. For processing, I used adjustment layers for selected colors with masks and curves to open up the darker valley. Here is the setting I used -

7D, EF 17-40mm F4L @ 21mm on gitzo/gittos with remote switch
1/100 sec, f/11 Mode: Av Metering: Evaluative AEB comp: -1 ISO: 200

[Indranil Sircar]

Here is the original unprocessed image...

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Indranil, Though your capture techniques and the image design were and are all superb, the image in Pane 1 is truly spectacular and can only be the result of your vision and skill. When did you realize that you would be able to make magic with this photograph???

[Indranil Sircar]

Hi Artie, thank you so much. Your comments mean a lot to me. I would say it was in the planning phase of my trip itself! I knew I wanted to get the winter view with some form of cloud in it. Checked the weather and changed my plan to go there a day earlier as it was supposed to be partially cloudy. On second day morning as I saw the cloud, I was certain that with fract, the cloud would come out great. Then kept on thinking how to keep the focus on three elements of the valley - El Capitan in defused light, Bridalveil falls in dark and those distant wispy clouds around Half Dome... with masks and brush painting, this became the final outcome.

[Arthur Morris]

YAW. From where I sit I see only brilliant vision, planning and execution :)