Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I may have posted a version of this image in a previous post in the general photography section, but I wanted to share this version here. This is a composite of three images processed via exposure blending rather than doing it in an HDR process. When I did this via HDR program in Photoshop, I felt the image was a bit too over cooked and wanted to try something a different. Importing three images into Photoshop as layers, I used layer masks to bring up the values in the mountains while holding the exposure of the sky and reflection of the sunset on the water. I also masked the values in the foreground water to bring them up a bit. Exposure blending is totally new to me, and any advise on would be appreciated. Right now, at least to me, using clipping masks is overly complicated however I would like to give that a try as well somewhere down the road. I like the subtile values, but comments (pros and cons) are always appreciated.

(Download)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I like it, although the lack of sRGB color space forces the viewer to open the attachment as the thumbnail is much less saturated. There's some sensor dust in the sky and more in the water. There's a bit more grain / noise in the sky in the darker areas of the left side. The ridge line of the mountains against the sky might be better defined, maybe with a touch more contrast or darkening of the mountains. Overall, the image colors are very natural and a wonderful view.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

I like it too, including the snik na gorie.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Thanks for the look. I guess I am a little lost re "snik na gorie". We used to almost be neighbors.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

The snow on the mountains (bad Russian transliteration).

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

Very nice photo, thanks for sharing!!

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Thanks for looking.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Dazzling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Wow, you have been digging in the archives. Appreciate the comment. I have not looked at this image for some time. Having a layer of water at Bad Water, from what I understand is quite rare, so we got lucky. Makes for some great opportunities, especially if there are some clouds hanging around at sunset. Thanks for comment.