Reality versus dreamworld

[Ottilia]

I would like to hear your opinion of the photo below (as an attached thumbnail as I still don't know how to embed a picture in the text. This is actually my second picture ever posted on DPS, so perhaps I am forgiven.)

The photo is taken just before sunset on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The colours are not realistic, but they convey the feeling of the moment. A little photoshopping would help to bring more details into sight. I have decided not to do this, but emphasize the dreamy atmosphere. Is this a mistake in your opinion?

If you want to look at the same picture after photoshopping, you find the two versions of the same picture here:


- I could have enclosed the other photo here too, but have I understood correctly, only one picture is allowed in 24 hours?

Back to my question: do you like the dreamy or the more realistic picture better? And why?


018_siniset_kivet_dirhamissa_p.jpg

EXIF:

Camera: Canon 1000D + Sigma 18 - 200 mm
Focal distance: 18 mm
Aperture: f.5.0
Speed: 4 sec.
ISO: 100

[GadgetRick]

Well, first of all, I really like the picture, I think, with a little work, it can be an even better picture.

Second, your question about dreamy vs. real world is more of an artistic choice. You make the photo look however you want it to look. I shot some photos of the GWB near here the other day. The, "normal," photo looks great. I wanted to do something a little different so I did a bunch of stuff to it in LR. I like it. Some may hate it but I like the look (although trying to get rid of the distortion on the bridge but that's another story...). So it's entirely up to you and what you're comfortable with.

[Nicole]

I just popped this over to the Comparison Critique area, so if you want to add in that second photo for reference, now you can. Comparison Critique is great when you're trying to decide between shots.

I prefer the colours in yours, but I'd probably also do some PS work just to eliminate some of the kind of muddiness (for a really lack of a better description). I don't think there's a whole lot that I would do, but I'd probably just do a few tweaks. As it is, I'd be pretty annoyed if my printer said: I don't like the colours in your photo, so do it this way.

[Ottilia]

Thank you Nicole for moving this to its right place!

So here is the second thumbnail for comparison side by side with the original.

GadgetRick, also thanks to you for your comment. The part: ... I think, with a little work, it can be an even better picture... left me wondering what kind of PS work would you do with it. (And the same goes for Nicole)

I am no wizard with PS, so a few tips might come useful when I confront my printer next time. He is actually a very nice fellow and very skillful with PS. But, to my mind, a bit too eager in his work.

[Indigo November]

I like the one on the left. Not sure which one is reality and which one is dreamworld.........