St. Ignatius Mission, Mission Valley of Montana

[gary ellwein]

This is my first attempt at submitting a subject that does not move. After 3-4 years of self education, my wife and I spent two rewarding weeks at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana. We were afforded the opportunity to photograph the mission. It is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in the Mission Valley of Montana. Note the small teepee at the front. Nikon D3s, Nikkor 10-24mm @ 10mm, f22, 1/13, iso 3200, spot metering, manual mode, tripod. Post processing PS CS5. Mainly used dodge and burn to tone down the high lites and dodge to bring out some detail in the ceiling. C & C appreciated.

Gary

[Jeff Cashdollar]

I really like this one Gary. The only comment, maybe a tad bit of crop from the left to clean up and level the edge. Nice use of spot metering to offset the bright light from windows. What did you meter on. I was going to ask about flash but not sure what would be needed in a building like this. Love the narrow aperture for DoF and use of tripod. The light on the pews are beautiful as is the composition. Great architecture is perfect for photography, show more if you wish - especially mountains. Thanks for sharing, how was the school.

[Kerry Perkins]

Gary, the colors and textures on the pews are amazing. Unfortunately, the windows and altar area are still blown out. I would suggest using a levels or curves adjustment layer and limiting the output of the file to 245. At 10mm, you get a lot of geometric distortion, and in this case it makes the scene look like it is tilted to the left. I see that you have used the uprights of the pews to determine the proper level of the image, but the windows and right wall are leaning in. You can use PS warp or puppet warp to pull that URC into straightness. Nice image.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Gary,

Try the PS Warp to level the lens distortion. I would like to see the results.

[kostas nianiopoulos]

pretty good job , sweet light here , well done !!!

[gary ellwein]

Thanks to all for critiques and suggestions. The repost incorperates the suggestions. I'm not sure about the puppet warp in that I've never used it before.

Jeff, the school was excellent. Let me know if you want more info. and I'll communicate via e-mail.

Gary