Post Processing; is it too much? This was shot at sundown, around 6 PM, the data shows 10 AM but that is because I did not set the time on the camera for USA. Anyway, my question is...

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

This was shot at sundown, around 6 PM, the data shows 10 AM but that is because I did not set the time on the camera for USA.
Anyway, my question is, did I apply too much post processing (PP)? I did the PP in Canon DPP4 on the RAW file.
I tried to capture the way it looked to me with the sun going down. It was hand held a little cold and windy for what it's worth. In these photos I'm not really concerned about the photos themselves, just the level of PP. Thanks.

Straight out of camera
Straight out of camera...

(Download)

Post processed in Canon DPP4
Post processed in Canon DPP4...

(Download)

Cropped off blown out sky and lightened up just a little

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

For me, the ultra-white sky of #2 detracts from the subject, while #3 appears "cut off" and the bright rocks on the right are distracting. Are you able to do selective editing, such as with layers and masking? It appears there may be some color in the sky. By bringing that out by darkening or other means, you could retain the natural horizon line and also avoid brightening those lightest rocks.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

On my phone I think #3 looks good it dies not look over processed to me. I don’t care for the sky being cut off or fur the white rocks. You can burn those bright rocks down a bit for my taste.

But the white sky is unnatural. So consider trying a gradient mask on the sky ? Alternatively consider a sky replacement?

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

pmorin wrote:

Deleted

I agree that bring in a darker sky is essential to a successful image. I like the the processing of the land better in the third image although it may be still a little too dark. I think the image is good enough for you to continue to tweak it for your own satisfaction (and others too if you want to share).

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Simple answer: Yes to all.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

[quote=Linda From Maine]

Are you back or is this just a casual visit. I for one miss you

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Linda From Maine wrote:

For me, the ultra-white sky of #2 detracts from the subject, while #3 appears "cut off" and the bright rocks on the right are distracting. Are you able to do selective editing, such as with layers and masking? It appears there may be some color in the sky. By bringing that out by darkening or other means, you could retain the natural horizon line and also avoid brightening those lightest rocks.

Years ago there was a UHH member - one of my very favorite people here - who had the same username.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Blenheim Orange wrote:

Years ago there was a UHH member - one of my very favorite people here - who had the same username.

It seems so long ago now.......

.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Linda From Maine wrote:

For me, the ultra-white sky of #2 detracts from the subject, while #3 appears "cut off" and the bright rocks on the right are distracting. Are you able to do selective editing, such as with layers and masking? It appears there may be some color in the sky. By bringing that out by darkening or other means, you could retain the natural horizon line and also avoid brightening those lightest rocks.

I agree about the blown out sky in #2 and #3 looking cut off. Here is an edit I did in Raw Therapee. It looks more like what I saw in real life. When I took the shot it was just the tops of the rocks in the canyon that were lit up by the setting sun, half way down was quite dark. That is what struck me about the scene and what I wanted to capture. The sun was setting fast, I did have time to fine the best location to shoot from.

(Download)

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

JD750 wrote:

On my phone I think #3 looks good it dies not look over processed to me. I don’t care for the sky being cut off or fur the white rocks. You can burn those bright rocks down a bit for my taste.

But the white sky is unnatural. So consider trying a gradient mask on the sky ? Alternatively consider a sky replacement?

Thanks for the review. I will work on darkening the sky and cropping out the rocks on the right

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

wdross wrote:

I agree that bring in a darker sky is essential to a successful image. I like the processing of the land better in the third image although it may be still a little too dark. I think the image is good enough for you to continue to tweak it for your own satisfaction (and others too if you want to share).

I agree the third image is the best but still too dark. The RAW is not that dark. It seems to be losing detail when exported the JPG. I'll work on adjusting the RAW to get the right JPG. I agree with keeping the sky, I'll have to decide on a way to darken it without it looking fake.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Curmudgeon wrote:

Simple answer: Yes to all.

Thanks :-)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Much improved IMO. The sky has some artifacts that others might be able to address and offer solutions. The scene is stunning overall - what a great experience it must have been to see.

waegwan wrote:

I agree about the blown out sky in #2 and #3 looking cut off. Here is an edit I did in Raw Therapee. It looks more like what I saw in real life. When I took the shot it was just the tops of the rocks in the canyon that were lit up by the setting sun, half way down was quite dark. That is what struck me about the scene and what I wanted to capture. The sun was setting fast, I did have time to fine the best location to shoot from.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Great photo composition.
#1 is flat
#2 Lot better but a little dark.
Added photo best yet.

I would use Adobe Camera Raw's calibration tools to enhance the colors a bit, Dehaze helps remove some of the atmosphere, add a little curve to remove some blue & touch up the sky.
With your permission I'll show you what I mean.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Linda From Maine wrote:

Much improved IMO. The sky has some artifacts that others might be able to address and offer solutions. The scene is stunning overall - what a great experience it must have been to see.

welcome back Linda. We missed your wit, charm & expertise.