Cheero Point sunset

[surenj]

I have driven past this rather photogenic spot a few times without having the courage to stop. I bit the bullet today and had a quick look. This involves stopping on the side of the F3 while cars zoom past you and standing a cliff edge facing west to catch a few rays. I couldn't have picked a better day as it was quite dry and the rocks quite grippy. I am glad I didn't run into any dangerous spiders, snakes which could have easily happened...

As usual for your critique. Thanks for looking.

[Alex]

Excellent images, Suren.

I love the composition and perspective in the first one. The direction of the rocks at the bottom and the dramatic clouds at the top seem to compliment each other in shape, colour and texture.

Alex

[surenj]

Thanks Alex,

I was quite pleased to get the colors and clouds I did get, as I may not risk going to this location again. It's pretty impossible to arrange a meet there as the type of shots you can get is quite limited as are places to stand!

[biggerry]

I am glad I didn't run into any dangerous spiders, snakes which could have easily happened...

rofl, harden up...

I quite like these two images, understated, natural and pleasant is how I would describe them. The only things that jump out at me are the darkened tree tops due to teh grad? and the in the first the tree on the left is a bit chopped off...

I would have also considered increasing foreground to maintain rule of thirds, also since the foreground in these features predominantly and also could could be considered the main focus?

Each time I look at the first I get drawn straight to that tree on the left, a fraction wider and possibly a bit of local brightness would really make it a feature!

Kudos for stopping on the freeway

[surenj]

Thankx Gerry. I value your feedback.

The only things that jump out at me are the darkened tree tops due to teh grad? and the in the first the tree on the left is a bit chopped off...

Yes it's the grad and it's not easy to correct as the underexposure is quite severe...GRRR. I might have another go when I have more time. Does anyone know any PS methods to recover shadows in really narrow areas like these tree branches? The normal masking won't work.
The chopped off tree was my Sony. I was trying to avoid the highway in the shot but didn't notice the tree being cut off!

a bit of local brightness

Thanks might give that a try.

I did have more background dominant shots like these....

[biggerry]

Does anyone know any PS methods to recover shadows in really narrow areas like these tree branches? The normal masking won't work

working with the low res version is a bit rough...but the control points in CNX2 work fairly effectively for this.

[surenj]

Ah. I don't have the luxury of control U points... I prefer your version and will have a go with the RAW to see what I turn up.

Thanks for posting these edits.