One last example. Unfortunately, once I flipped the photograph, I did not save the original, but as you see, I think it "makes sense" as presented. It seems more "pleasing" to me that this fisherwoman is exiting "stage right."
I'm pleased with the results I get from NCH's PhotoPad using a combination of a faux HDR (one photo, 3 "exposures") with a "Cartoon" overlay which I apply either selectively or completely for the finished photograph.
The Colorado River Outside of Moab, Utah
Bridal Veil Falls in South Dakota, Barely Flowing
A Serpentine Road in Calfornia (from Palm Springs to Idyllwild)
Rusted Farm Implements on Antelope Island in Utah's Great Salt Lake
I've had similar happen more times than I care to think while travelling along a highway. Sometimes the location was far away and a long trip for nothing! Here I really mean we did go back or stop later. I think I have one of those "ah ha" spontaneous finds that worked out. And even that took a couple trips. Two different version of the several shot with two different cameras (one IR Converted).
I also love open empty roads with leading lines deep into the distance. I can see why this spot attracted you; I prefer your version #2. I take all kinds of photographs and then pick out the ones that I want to labor on with post processing. Here are some of my own "open road" photos, having worked on them in pp.
Beautiful rainbow, Busch. Coincidentally, I made the same drive, and not being lucky enough to see any rainbows, I focused on the twisting turning roadway that winds itself so interestingly through the countryside.
Beautiful job. Your patience has been rewarded with that finished product. My preference: the desaturated version. It is still animated and colorful, but, in my opinion, more realistic.
I am an Image Creator who uses photographic techniques and equipment to capture the beginning of my final products.
What a beautiful and succinct quote. In my own small way, that's what I've been doing but never had your elegant words to describe my process, even to myself. I'm going to "borrow" those words as a description of myself! So glad I found UHH!