A storm is brewing

[Todd Patten]

This is a shot from a recent trip to the beach. When we arrived, it was a beautiful evening. Within minutes though, the thunderstorms rolled in.

[dadas115]

This is a very interesting image. I really love the dark on the right of the frame.

Excellent work,

Greg

[OldSchool]

Hi Todd,

This is a very dramatic photo. I like how it transitions from light to dark as I go left to right. I also like the light streak down the middle pulling it all together. The child exploring is a nice touch that speaks to me the theme of innocence and wonder -- oblivious of the world around.

On a technical side, I think there is grain/noise in the clouds that is a result of over sharpening. If I am correct, this can be avoided/minimized by bumping up the clipping and reducing the radius.

A nice deep photo. Thanks for posting,
Tim

[payn817]

I really like this! The powerful feel of the clouds, and the child make it really nice.

It does make me wonder if i am living in the wrong place though!

[Dzerzhinski46]

As was said before, the progression from light to dark is very nicely done. The horizontal composition suits it very well. A few things, however. The dark portion on the right seems overly dark, and I find I am a tad distracted by it. But then again, you wouldn't be able to expose correctly for both the light and dark portions. You did the best under the circumstances. Also, the child seems something of an afterthought. In some sense, I am wondering whether the house or the child was intended to be the focal point of this composition.

Drew

[Todd Patten]

OK, here's a second shot at this image. While I think the noise in the clouds adds some drama, I can see where it can be distracting. Interestingly enough, in both images, there was absolutely no burning. Some of the darkness in the original post is due to the channel mixer.

Dzerzhinski46 -- The child in the photo was absolutely part of the desired composition. While watching the scene develop, I found it striking to watch my son go about his business while he is dwarfed by the nature around him.

There was also occasional lightening starting to display in the clouds. I kept hold up my camera for minutes hoping to catch a bolt crossing the sky in the background, to no avail! The storm was not close enough to have consistent strikes.

Anyway, here's the follow up.

[Overbeyond]

I think your second posting is outstanding.
I honestly thought your initial one had been overworked. I nowsee a real natural storm brewing. Get that child in quickly.
Tom

[Piet]

There is nothing to be added. Great mood and great shot.
Piet

[OldSchool]

Much better IMHO....
Tim

[Tuna]

A fantastic image with dramatic composition to complement the natural drama - captured beautifully with what appears to be a perfect exposure. Though the finished version doesn't have the initial attractive starkness, it is more polished and definitely worth printing and hanging.

Tuna

[jar_e]

Just perfect. The finished version is crisp, clean, and still holds great tones and an awesome feel! Well done and a great shot!

Jared

[Herriot]

Great shot, love the white stones across the image and the contrast in the sky from left to right, really menacing image!

Herriot

[Todd Patten]

Geez. I'm flattered! Thank you very much from the feedback and input!