compilot wrote:
There are many good trail guide books available in shops in town. West Fork is a must, but plan on getting your feet wet. Chapel in the Rocks is a must, (the name I gave isn't quite right, but it is close). Bell rock in Oak Creek. Red Rock State Park has an easy trail to some beautiful shots. Everywhere you turn there are photo ops. Have fun and please post your shots.
I agree with West Fork but it is only worth going when the leaves are turning around the middle of Oct. Then it is spectacular! I go there every year. Avoid weekends; long waits on parking.
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
I forget the name of the park that has an excellent view of Cathedral Rock at a vortex site. Get there as early as possible before the tour buses arrive. If the stream is low enough to cross, the better compositions are on the other side.
The picture is of Red Rock Crossing. I highly recommend it as a nice leisurely walk along Oak Creek. I live in Cottonwood nearby and know the area very well. Have a good trip.
srt101fan wrote:
Check out Affinity Photo.
Just a slight correction; Affinity IS a one time purchase INCLUDING upgrades!.
I recently bought the LG 32UK5OT-W and love it for $285 brand new. Easy to set up and go do image processing. I highly recommend it.
Thank you for making the changes to the horizons. Splendid images!!! Congratulations.
They are all very beautiful. But my recommendation is that you pay some attention to straightening the horizons.
I got it as a free download since I had already purchased the regular Adjust years ago. I use it as a plug-in in Affinity and like it. But I found that it is very (too) easy to overdo the effects. Adjust AI is very powerful but must be used very carefully. I recommend the split image workspace so that you always compare the new against the original image.
I too use Affinity and like it a lot. Strongly recommend it.
I agree with all the above comments. The problem with your picture is that very little of it is in focus and, further, the wrong items are in focus. I have no problem with the flask being out of focus. In fact I would accentuate it but be sure that the items of interest (the grapes) are in sharp focus. Otherwise I like the composition and the tonalities.
It is a lesson in composition! I like the symmetry as it forces my eyes to the center of the photo. Congratulations! I love it. The only thing I would change is the tonality of the background pool; I would darken it a bit. The value of your photo is that it stands on its own merit no matter where it was taken... Chine, Europe, US.
Very creative. I thoroughly enjoyed them. Keep doing it and send us pictures.
I hope you wont mind if I am a bit critical. I am really trying to help. There are several issues in your images that need improvement in techniques. First, composition. In general, be aware of "empty" spaces like a vast sky. Nothing wrong with sky per se but you should frame it. Your sky is hanging on one side vanishing into nothing. Second, central interest. The colors are relatively good in the second image but the viewer cannot decide what to look at; the sky, the tiny person, the trees, which trees, etc... The way you improved the original image and arrived at a good photo color-wise is an indication that you have a good sense of color values. That too is crucial for photography. But without proper composition, no picture will stand. Please forgive me if I went too far in commenting. Just trying to help. Be assured that most of us go through this kind of problem every time we shoot. The difference between a "beginner" and others is experience. Keep shooting you'll get there.
jaymatt wrote:
If you don’t want to go the subscription route, Luminar and ON 1 19 are both excellent programs you might consider.
I vote for Affinity Photo; $50 for a one time cost and a superb program. I have now used it for a year and am glad I cancelled my PS subscription.