Black Gold & Diamonds for Tech Advice

[Shebang]

Here's another. Still don't have the sharpness in the tree line that I would like. Under-exposed? What else?

Aperture = f/8
ISO = 200
Shutter = 1/400

Focal length = 39
Handheld 17-40 f/4 L USM

Thanks!

[jetrim]

looks like the sensor picked up the grassy meadow across the street rather than the tree. Try applying unsharp mask (it will introduce less noise than straight "sharpen". set a low radius ( 0.75 - 1.5) a strength of @ 100 and clipping very low (1-3). You might also try lowering the contrast a bit if you want to bring out some of the detail lost in the shadows (or raising it if you want more of a stark silhouette effect). Might be just a shade underexposed but not very much for an early morning shot.

[Frog]

This is rather nice, Paula. I like the soft colors.
Not sure how to be able to sharpen the trees or make them stand out more.
The backlight makes it difficult.

[Greg McCary]

I like the colors and the time of day shot. I think it needs another element to give it more interest. When focusing landscapes don't just throw the camera up and focus on infinity. Here you could have held the shutter half way focusing on the road and then composed the shot while holding the shutter. This will help with sharpness. The EXIF looks fine but if you can get enough shutter speed you should drop down to 100iso, this will help with the noise some. The lower the ISO the better IQ you will have.

[Shebang]

Thanks, gentlemen, for the valuable instruction. Very helpful.

Here it is with jetrim's suggestions. Amount is 100, Radius is 1, Threshold is 2, and I boosted the Contrast to 23. I can't tell there's much improvement. A person or tractor or something would have made it more interesting. While caring for my dad, my opportunities for interesting subject matter are quite limited -- which, looking for the photography silver lining here -- makes it easier to keep the technical aspects at a high priority. Boring that is technically correct is far better than boring that is not! Thanks again for the help. This interactive instruction makes this learning process a lot more enjoyable -- and effective.

[shootme]

All said, well done. S

[Shebang]

Thanks, Shootme Hoping to get out for another try while my sister relieves me. You all are very encouraging.

[readingr]

Desolation, Frozen desert, fight for survival, lighting

I like the thought behind it, perhaps a bit more pp to lighten the dark areas might help this along.

Roger R.

[Shebang]

Roger: Your interpretation brought a smile.

In spite of Oklahoma's 11 eco-regions -- 12, if you include "urban turf," it sure feels like a fight for photography survival on this corner of it.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.