Surreal Winter Sunset

[navcom]

Hey all. It's my turn to ask for a critique from our distinguished panel.

It was a windy and cold New Years Day where I live which brought on-again, off-again snow showers followed by bright sunshine. It made for very interesting light and contrasts which I couldn't resist. I took this shot a few miles from our home.



Pentax K-5
f/16
ISO 400
55-300mm

...And like an idiot, I mistakenly left my tripod at home...left it sitting next to the coat closet ...so it's hand held (*groan*) which is why I used ISO 400 instead of 80.

Imported into Lightroom, adjusted contrast, saturation, and black/white point to bring out the colors and give it more of a surreal look which is what I was going for.

My question: Does the surreal effect work or is it too much? I'm not necessarily going for 100% realistic as I wanted the color to be the attracting force...but I also don't want to go too far. Any thoughts?

[dcclark]

Personally, I love the intense, color-oriented composition. If that's what you mean by "surreal", then you hit it right on! The big, smooth blotch of color where the sun is, fading into the maroon sky, is sweet. The blue water fading into black is awesome.

My only comment is -- straighten that horizon!

[navcom]

Thanks David! I appreciate the comments! According to Lightroom the horizon is dead on. I used the angle tool to verify just now and it's straight. I think it's the slight dip in the tree line next to the barn that gives it the illusion it might be crooked.

[dcclark]

Wow, that really does mess with my eye. I'd almost over-correct it, just to avoid that illusion!

[navcom]

I know. I just tried to overcorrect and it looks bizarre because the silo's are then crooked. I hate when that happens.

[dcclark]

Apply a lens distortion, add some barrel maybe?

[navcom]

Yeah, I might have to fool around with that this week. Thanks David!

[Michael_2010]

I like the surrealistic aspect of this one. It's all about the interaction of the colors and not so much the landscape. Interesting look.....

[Krusty79]

I'd say it is not realistic, but is not too over the top either.