Flooded Forest

[Xia_Ke]

Here's another shot from the flooded forest area I tried to capture in my "Various Nature Shots" thread about a week ago. Was shooting into the sunset so ended up with some blow out. Still work though or any suggestions on editing?

[F-15_Flyer]

Man, no excuse for no posts on this one yet...

I get a great surreal like feeling in this image, I suppose it's the light, the light is so nice! I think the "blowout" just helps with this feeling. I love the way it effects the tones and look.

Is this the original?

[Xia_Ke]

Thank you very much for the kind words F-15 I wish I could say that was the original. I shot this a few EV steps down to keep the sky from completely blowing out. It was then "brought back" using Fill Light and other levels adjustments in Lightroom. Here's the original...

[F-15_Flyer]

oooh you edited it well i see.

[gahspidy]

Aaron, the original is best by far. Your exposure captured the mood and murky look of the scene. There is still detail to be seen in the shadows. The brown muddy looking water seems more interesting lurking in the dim light of the shade from the trees. Sometimes the less we see, the better. This is one such case. Also, I like the original cropping over the crop you gave it in the edit. Seeing more of the bottom helps alot. I think it is a fine shot.

[Xia_Ke]

Thank you very much for your input Gary I swear, one of these days you guys will finally beat of me my tendency to over process

[livin4lax09]

no no no, this is not overprocessed, it is a great edit. very nice.

[Xia_Ke]

LOL... it's like the angel and the devil on my shoulders (not sure which is which). One part of me says leave a shot as close to original as possible while the other half says to tweak it to fit how I see it in my head Hopefully I'll settle into my own style soon enough to simplify things...LOL

[F-15_Flyer]

I guess when it comes down to it it's personal preference(as far as the edit goes) but I still think the edited is nicer. It's "prettier" to look at and keeps the eye longer, the colors are vibrant and luminous, and it's much easier to see everything.

Of course if you wanted to catch the mood of the place as it was, the original would be best, but by your edit I assume that wasn't your goal.

[starriderrick]

Great to see both versions.Excellent mood.Great thread.

Rick

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Rick and F-15. I suppose if you want to talk mood, the edited version is how the place is normally and what I wanted to capture. It's usually vibrant and full of life. The unedited shot captured the mood of an incoming thunder storm. The forest was quiet and darkening quickly. I set out to capture the normal mood of that area during that hike but was foiled by the incoming storm. The edit reflects my original intent.