Back to the Desert

[GB1]

I've been trying to expt with other areas of photography as of late, which I like. Since I was in the desert this weekend however, decided to return to form and do some more cactus and desert landscape photos.

I'm really not sure what I have here..

They're Ocotillo and Jumping (Teddy Bear) Cholla, if anybody is interested

Nikon D200.

Gb

[Greg McCary]

I think the last one is my favorite of the bunch, but all quite nice. I have been missing your desert landscapes. With that said I think a little fill light to lighten the dark areas would help. But still very nice shots.

[shootme]

I like the second last, but only because it's slightly lighter in the foreground.

The second shot looks out of focus, or maybe all those thorns make it look out of focus, whereas the small piece of cacti in the bottom right of the frame is in focus?

Third shot doesn't say anything to me, except moo.

The first one seems to blend into itself a flat tone across the shot?

Sorry seems I'm a bit critical here especially knowing that you take shots that I aspire too. S

[GB1]

Thanks for commenting. I shoot so many desert shots and I think these ones are mid-pack at best. Seems like there's tons of opportunities out there but getting everything to work - subject, lighting, composition - at the same time is more challenging than it seems.

Greg, I actually did use a fill flash one a few shots but they came out looking extremely artificial. Maybe a flash into a reflector and back on the subject would help?

Shootme, it's funny you say that the one shot's cacti look out of focus, cause that is exactly what they all look like.. It's like an optical illusion! I am not sure what's going on. Oh and don't worry about being critical, that's what the forum's for & you seem to be right on here.

GB

[Greg McCary]

GB I edited one of the shots in Lightroom. I added a little fill light, contrast and vibrance.

[GB1]

Greg,

Hmm.. In many ways it looks better to me, but at the same time it looks somewhat surreal. Perhaps the editing it good overall but a bit too much? I also wish the added lighting and vibrance was only to the ground and not the ocotillo alos, which seems better silhouetted.

Btw, I did use a graduated ND filter on some of the shots but can't remember which. I always seem to be in such a rush to capture that fleeting moment of just before sunrise. I really wish I owned a getaway out there where I could go for extended weekends and just chill and take photos!

G