R.G. Loc: Scotland

As minniev found out, unused shielings are common in Scotland. Getting a usable composition out of this site was difficult - there was a modern shed immediately to the left of the derelict and a steep bank behind it. But I managed to get a shot that included a view of the interior plus the distant hillside where the sheep would have grazed once upon a time.

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Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Great composition R.G. Your mentioning of the distant hillside and the break in the clouds above that area would lend itself well to a gentle brightening of that hillside to possibly add a touch more depth should you so desire....

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Thank you Frank. The bits that you refer to had a fair bit of haze SOOC and I can predict that brightening that area would bring the haze back. However, it might be possible to brighten and dehaze at the same time by adding Contrast or Clarity. I'll give it a try and see what happens (but not tonight - too close to bedtime).

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hi, Coz,
I love this image for its historical perspective that you stated so well.
The factor of composition I appreciate is the line of perspective provided by the dry masonry of the end of the cottage ruin accentuating the diagonal. It’s the unusual landscape that provides any hint of linear perspective.
An engaging image that encourages pondering on the pace of history. Early on the scene could have held cattle (when this old shieling was likely built), then disruption of Clan influence and holdings...and the Highland Clearances and the growth of wool exports...and now...and to come?

Great stories, there...

Cos in the Colonies

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I like this shot RG. Also liked the other hut shot you posted a while back and, following that, I revisited my shot of a similar building in the Lake District - and felt quite dissatisfied! It’s the space behind the building that makes the image and gives it’s sense of place and story. Mine lacked that. I’m back there though shortly and will have another crack at it, although it’s not an easy challenge as the surrounds are difficult. I’ll let you know if your tutorship succeeds!
Back to your post - I know this is your style without doubt but, we’re it mine, I’d be trying to do something more with the colours, they seem a little too muted?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Thanks for commenting, Colonial Coz. The fact that the scene is one of the ways into Glen Lyon probably adds to the history of the place. Apparently Glen Lyon was relatively easy to defend. But it was the march of the Blackface that did for them in the end. That and the decline of crofting.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I'm soooo glad I managed to inspire a feeling of dissatisfaction, magnetoman . I used to be guilty of being too subject-oriented and eventually I began to realise that even if you do get a good shot of a subject, it'll probably be one of dozens (or more) out there already. When it comes to making our shots stand out, one possibility (situation permitting) is to use foreground, immediate surroundings and background (either individually or in combination), hopefully to good effect. In fact it's good basic photography and worth pursuing that approach as a general MO.

If you think the shot as posted is muted, you should see the SOOC version. Some shots respond well to extra saturation and vibrance, but with some you get unwanted effects that need to be dealt with, which often involves selecting problem areas and working on them purely to mitigate the unwanted effects of increasing saturation globally. Just now I'm leaning towards seriously desaturating yellow and green in the HSL section then adding generous amounts of saturation/vibrance in the main edit (further to discussions elsewhere, garish yellow/green vegetation can be problematic when you want to give the colours an overall boost). I'll revisit my edit to see if that approach could have been taken further.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

We’re on the same tack here RG. What you describe using HSL is exactly my standard method for landscapes. Lightroom is my choice but other processing programmes offer similar possibilities. If stuff, like heather say, is past it’s best at time of capture, well, paint a bit of purple in! End result is what matters.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Ok, I've been swayed by consensus . It doesn't mean I've changed my opinions on PP or anything like that . It has stronger colours and more contrast, and as Frank suggested, the distant mountain ridge is more eye-catching. I'll concede that visually it's more striking and to many it will be more pleasing..... but it's not a picture of the bleak misty moor that I experienced first hand.

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mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

You're heading in the right direction..... 😉

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Like it!