Ditch in woods: I posted another shot of this scene after the leaves had turned and mostly fallen. This is a shot taken before autumn, so the sky isn't so much of a problem. I'll...

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I posted another shot of this scene after the leaves had turned and mostly fallen. This is a shot taken before autumn, so the sky isn't so much of a problem. I'll probably go back when the leaves have grown back and do a proper HDR shot. But in the meantime, before I do a re-shoot, I'd like to see what sort of potential you think this scene has.

Jpg here, DNG to follow.

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JPG

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

DNG version.

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Link to DNG file.
Attached file:
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Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

R.G. wrote:

I posted another shot of this scene after the leaves had turned and mostly fallen. This is a shot taken before autumn, so the sky isn't so much of a problem. I'll probably go back when the leaves have grown back and do a proper HDR shot. But in the meantime, before I do a re-shoot, I'd like to see what sort of potential you think this scene has.

Jpg here, DNG to follow.

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Clearly the scene has potential. In my opinion, R.G., you may need to change you position to make better use of the leading line provided by the ditch. (I was trying by cropping, without success, to get a diagonal line.) The big tree looms over everything and dominates the ditch, therefore maybe this should be the subject of the photograph rather than the ditch. Just my two cents worth. Processed in GIMP and Perfect Effects 9.

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kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

Here is a different look that you may like .Tommy

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

Shakey wrote:

Clearly the scene has potential. In my opinion, R.G., you may need to change you position to make better use of the leading line provided by the ditch.......

I think that's exactly right. In the first image that I posted of this scene ( http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-256768-1.html ) the bottom of the ditch entered the bottom of the frame nearly at the right hand corner. Unfortunately the trees were nearly leafless which meant that the shot didn't work so well.

Next time I go back I'll hopefully have the wrinkles ironed out. This shot was from my first visit and I had the choice of making a leading line out of either the bottom of the ditch or the top of the stonework. All I need is the combination of the better composition (ditch as leading line) and trees with foliage. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

kubota king wrote:

Here is a different look that you may like .Tommy

So that's why I came back with wet feet lol. I'm sure that ditch does fill up with water now and then. Something to keep an eye on.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

RG, let me give you some NEGATIVE criticism but in, hopefully, a POSITIVE way. I used to shoot a lot of landscapes such as this one but had so much trouble printing them. Basically, I could never really capture the ambience of the location. I wound up with a lot of textures lacking much contrast and centers of interest. I finally gave up on most landscapes and what I did take was more for cataloging where I had been rather than being interesting photos.

That is how I view your shot. You are right to go back out there because you may find a way to make a stunning photo of this scene. I hope you do and remember to send it to me. I would sure like to see what I miss.

Good luck and happy shooting.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

R.G. wrote:

I think that's exactly right. In the first image ... (show quote)

I took a look at your original image and the difference is striking. I look forward to the next edition when the leaves meet your vision.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

an interesting capture. I also think that moving position to change the angle of the ditch to be more diagonal and capturing more height of the tree might make this better. I took a crack at PP this in lr changed the lighting a bit and made it more contrasty

the ditch

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

abc1234 wrote:

RG.... I used to shoot a lot of landscapes such as this one but had so much trouble printing them. Basically, I could never really capture the ambience of the location. I wound up with a lot of textures lacking much contrast and centers of interest......

Thanks for the comments, abc1234. They have been received positively. This is definitely one for the learning curve - it could easily end up bland and unengaging, but I'm sure there is potential for a shot that has hopefully something more than just souvenir value. A lack of contrast is definitely a potential problem because the scene is predominantly shaded. However, I'm sure there are ways and means...

In the other shot that I referred to above, the ditch and stonework were both more prominent. OK, there have been more captivating subjects in landscape photography, but the moss-covered stonework is not that common a sight and it speaks of the decades it would have taken to become moss-covered. And the place definitely did have an ambience that I will definitely be trying to capture.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Shakey wrote:

I took a look at your original image and the difference is striking. I look forward to the next edition when the leaves meet your vision.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thank you Shakey. Unfortunately my vision includes capturing autumn leaves when they are still thick on the trees, so it might be a while.... (I just missed it this time round).

R.G. Loc: Scotland

lloydl2 wrote:

an interesting capture. I also think that moving position to change the angle of the ditch to be more diagonal and capturing more height of the tree might make this better. I took a crack at PP this in lr changed the lighting a bit and made it more contrasty

Thank you Lloydl2. Your suggestions are very similar to the other shot that I referred to above, so I'll agree on all counts :) .

I also suspected that the ditch (and in particular the very bottom of the ditch) and the stonework both needed to be brighter in order to be more eye-catching as leading lines. I see you introduced an element of that in your edit. Unfortunately there will never be a time when the stonework and the bottom of the ditch will be brightly lit, so it's down to PP even if I do get my ideal composition.

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

R.G. wrote:

Thank you Lloydl2. Your suggestions are very simi... (show quote)

Could you use a little fill flash to brighten the ditch?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

naturepics43 wrote:

Could you use a little fill flash to brighten the ditch?

I don't have any off-camera flash and the built in flash can't be directed. And the bit that needs it most is quite far away. But if I do ever get off-camera flash I'll bear your suggestion in mind. You're right - it would be an effective answer if I could direct it along the bottom of the ditch. Thanks for the input, Naturepics.

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

Dramatized.

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