Opinions Wanted Please: Here are four different versions of the LA Skyline with different backgrounds. I'm fairly new to layers, changing backgrounds, etc. in Photoshop, so knowing...

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

Here are four different versions of the LA Skyline with different backgrounds. I'm fairly new to layers, changing backgrounds, etc. in Photoshop, so knowing, when, what and how is a pretty steep learning curve. CC is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Thanks everyone, Dick

Milky Way Over L.A.
Milky Way Over L.A....

(Download)

Red Sky at Night
Red Sky at Night...

(Download)

The L.A. Sky's on Fire
The L.A. Sky's on Fire...

(Download)

Purple Haze
Purple Haze...

(Download)

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

rdrechsler wrote:

Here are four different versions of the LA Skyline with different backgrounds. I'm fairly new to layers, changing backgrounds, etc. in Photoshop, so knowing, when, what and how is a pretty steep learning curve. CC is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Thanks everyone, Dick

Really new and different approach. Great job on #1

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

rdrechsler wrote:

Here are four different versions of the LA Skyline with different backgrounds. I'm fairly new to layers, changing backgrounds, etc. in Photoshop, so knowing, when, what and how is a pretty steep learning curve. CC is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Thanks everyone, Dick

The LA Chamber of Commerce would love these beautiful skies. The star shot is one we never could see with all the light pollution.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

I like them all but especially number 1. Really nice work

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

robertjerl wrote:

The LA Chamber of Commerce would love these beautiful skies. The star shot is one we never could see with all the light pollution.

Sad but true. But it's a nice fantasy. Someone said I should put a light glow over the city and dissolve into the starry sky. I don't know how to do that, but it might be more realistic, although I doubt anyone will ever see the Milky Way over LA unless the Russian hackers turn off our power grid

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Really new and different approach. Great job on #1

Thanks so much. I appreciate the positive feedback from you. It's all just for fun, but it does make for an interesting discussion.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

rdrechsler wrote:

Sad but true. But it's a nice fantasy. Someone said I should put a light glow over the city and dissolve into the starry sky. I don't know how to do that, but it might be more realistic, although I doubt anyone will ever see the Milky Way over LA unless the Russian hackers turn off our power grid

Or some idiot working for the state pushes the wrong button.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

robertjerl wrote:

Or some idiot working for the state pushes the wrong button.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I like the first version; the others, not so much.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

rdrechsler wrote:

Sad but true. But it's a nice fantasy. Someone said I should put a light glow over the city and dissolve into the starry sky. I don't know how to do that, but it might be more realistic, although I doubt anyone will ever see the Milky Way over LA unless the Russian hackers turn off our power grid

Here's a way. New layer in Photoshop, Overlay, 20%. Use gradient fill of black. Good luck.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

rdrechsler wrote:

Here are four different versions of the LA Skyline with different backgrounds. I'm fairly new to layers, changing backgrounds, etc. in Photoshop, so knowing, when, what and how is a pretty steep learning curve. CC is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Thanks everyone, Dick

the star skyline is my favorite.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

merrytexan wrote:

the star skyline is my favorite.

Even though implausible, it's mine too

Thanks for your feedback.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

Excellent...you did a fantastic job on these images. Beautifully done.

DragonsLady Loc: Los Alamos, NM

I like the first one, but my feeling is that with the lights out the milky way wouldn't be in that location. I don't know exactly where the MW would be, perhaps some astronomer could clear up my confusion.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Excellent shots. No. 2 is the only one where the sky does not appear natural to my eyes.
The first one is outstanding.