Desert Sunrise

[GB1]

Took this this morning in the Anza Borrego desert. I found that I needed to do something to fix what the meter would choose, so experimented and ended up using a graduated ND filter and very and f stop of about 7 to prevent getting flare (still got some). C&Cs welcome.

G

[Didache]

I think you've done a pretty good job. Good use of aperture to control flare. As you said, you have almost eliminated it (not an easy job) and what's left could probably be minimised with a little careful PP, if you were inclined. More important, you've caught the mood of the desert. I personally would be inclined to shave just a little off the left, but that's a matter of taste I think.

Cheers
Mike

[jetrim]

I like this one very much. Quiet and serene yet dark and moody. Agree with Mike's assessment, but the last spot of flare doesn't really bother me here, kind of "artsy"

[shootme]

I'd crop just beyond the tree on the left. The flare is fine, it can sometimes add feel to a shot. Great colour, very nice shot G. S

[GB1]

Thanks fellows. Considering my PP abilities and the time it would take to remove that flare, it stays. But I did crop the left and a tad off the right and add a frame -- look oK?

G

[stephljones]

personally....I like it better uncropped....showing the desolate expanse of the desert in a wider angle.

really pretty...i like that it is very dark, except the bit of flare from the sun...that you can hardly make out the tree is very interesting to me.

[shootme]

Super shot in all respects flare included. S

[frapuchi]

Excellent work. Good management of light. Beautiful framing. Bravo

[starriderrick]

I like the original as presented...It just feels "right" to me.Great control of light,very nice.

Rick

[Greg McCary]

GB I think this is one of your better desert scenes. I like the cropped version the best, nice capture.

[GB1]

Thanks everyone, for commenting.

Greg, welcome back! First post for you since the Bridge?! Hope all is going well.

Rick, I tend to agree, but I also see where folks may choose the cropped version. I think the cropped image has more 'classical' proportions, whereas the longer version is more 'landscape.'

Frapuchi, thanks, this is one advantage of living close to the desert.

Steph, Thanks. The desert sure is wide, and barren, and inhospitable. One can hardly walk 100 yds without getting stabbed by sticker bushes. I wonder how the pioneers made it.

What's sad is that this park, and many others, will probably be closed due to budget cuts here in California. I am not sure what the policy will be on using it if that does happen, but they can't chain it off since there are small towns in the middle of the park that are private and rely on the roads. I guess I will see!

G

[draymorton]

I agree with Rick: first one, definitely. Really love the colors. The flare doesn't bother me, but it's easily removed. Did you underexpose? (I don't know thing one about photographing sunrises.)

[GB1]

Dray - Yes, I had to expt with exposure because I've learned not to trust my meter with sunsets or sunrises. But there is more than exposure adjustment in this one, as I played with a 2 stop (or is it 3? Gotta check..) graduated Neutral Density (ND) filter also, mostly using the heavily graduated area. Finally, I adjusted it a tad in PP. I do see the flare over there in the bush area, but I'm not sure how easy it will be to remove? I guess it depends on one's skill level.

G