Cold Air over Lake Michigan Towards Chicago: In "real" Winter, the air is not only cold, but very clear. With this sudden change to cold, the air has a certain heaviness.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

In "real" Winter, the air is not only cold, but very clear. With this sudden change to cold, the air has a certain heaviness.

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NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I like the composition and the subdued colors. But I don’t get a sense of heaviness in the area. But I may be missing something

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

NJFrank wrote:

I like the composition and the subdued colors. But I don’t get a sense of heaviness in the area. But I may be missing something

I know what you mean, as I think about it. If you are used to the view (the clear perception of waves and horizon, the saturation of sky-tinted water), maybe you see it. If not, the "heaviness" of the humid air from the warm, rapidly evaporating Lake is not evident.

Thanks for the "Frank" comment.

My problem is that I don't want to contribute to the too-numerous "postcard" photos. Yes I don't want to over-manipulate some mist-like air, even if I could. Maybe this one just goes into a personal memories folder.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

[quote=artBob]I know what you mean, as I think about it. If you are used to the view (the clear perception of waves and horizon, the saturation of sky-tinted water), maybe you see it. If not, the "heaviness" of the humid air from the warm, rapidly evaporating Lake is not evident.

Thanks for the "Frank" comment.

Sometimes at least for me I transfer my feeling into the image. As it turns out I am the only one to “get it”, when viewing the image. But I think we all fall victim to that scenario from time to time.

Stephan G

artBob wrote:

In "real" Winter, the air is not only cold, but very clear. With this sudden change to cold, the air has a certain heaviness.

The lake does get "heavy" after a long spell of freeze. To the point that people drive on it.

Many people are unaccustomed to seeing a lake that is several hundred miles long and 60 to 100 miles wide. And in the so many diverse climates. Also add an ocean going ship. (On one night flights coming into O'Hare, seen the entire lake from Indiana up into Canada!)

I have spent many years on the shores seeing such views. Thanks for forcing memories from my mental archives.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I share your appreciation of the views. For a boy from Southern Ohio, these views are awe-inspiring. 'Course I still remember walking along the Great Miami River. 😊

Rathyatra Loc: Southport, United Kingdom

artBob wrote:

In "real" Winter, the air is not only cold, but very clear. With this sudden change to cold, the air has a certain heaviness.

Beautiful crisp image and fine colours.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I don't pick up on any heaviness of the atmosphere. I have lived on the coast for many years so I may be immune to that subtlety. Compositionally I am almost wanting to see a little more of the overhanging tree and a little more to the right. I often take photos where I zoom in a little more than I think I should have, so I am now in the habit of backing out a bit for a cover my ass shot. Some closer inspection shows you have been doing some cloning on the right and at the top so I am not sure what you might have added at the top. Not sure what was going on on the right. I find the colors very appealing and I am really taken by the tree and foreground. I just think a little more at the top would reinforce the bottom.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

fergmark wrote:

I don't pick up on any heaviness of the atmosphere... (show quote)

Interesting. I did not cloning at top or right, so I really would like to know your process for thinking that.

I agree with your idea of "backing out." In film we do that, an "establishing shot," then go to elements within the scene. Good idea.

Stephan G

Just a factoid about Lake Michigan: Depth over 900 feet.

(I managed to get down only 140 feet.)*

*Did not have a camera.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

artBob wrote:

Interesting. I did not cloning at top or right, so I really would like to know your process for thinking that.

I agree with your idea of "backing out." In film we do that, an "establishing shot," then go to elements within the scene. Good idea.

Well I know cloning when I see it. You must have a poltergeist in your vacinity.

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artBob Loc: Near Chicago

fergmark wrote:

Well I know cloning when I see it. You must have a poltergeist in your vacinity.

Well, no you don't, apparently, because I did not do any cloning.

What we seem to have here is a PS Content aware fill after I straightened the horizon. So, we both learn something, eh?

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

artBob wrote:

In "real" Winter, the air is not only cold, but very clear. With this sudden change to cold, the air has a certain heaviness.

It is getting to be that time of year again where the air does get cold and clear and crisp. I assume the "heaviness" you speak of is a result of humidity. That humidity will, I assume, lessen the colder the lake gets. Then, when it freezes, I suppose it will not be contributing to humidity in any measurable sense.

I like the view and the tree with the snow on it. I also like the different tones in the sky. Adds interest to the composition.
Erich

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

ebrunner wrote:

It is getting to be that time of year again where the air does get cold and clear and crisp. I assume the "heaviness" you speak of is a result of humidity. That humidity will, I assume, lessen the colder the lake gets. Then, when it freezes, I suppose it will not be contributing to humidity in any measurable sense.

I like the view and the tree with the snow on it. I also like the different tones in the sky. Adds interest to the composition.
Erich

Quite true Erich. That "crisp" Winter air makes a person's nose stick together and eyes to water--just before the frostbite sets in!

I'm glad you liked the tones and textural contrasts.