New Mexican Monsoon

[smbtuckma]

I tend to be a bit over zealous with the contrast/levels/saturation in post-production, so I'd like some help refining this area of my photography. Perhaps this stems from a misunderstanding of light in-camera; advice on that would be appreciated as well. So, if you have any tips on how to improve those points in this picture, your comments would be greatly appreciated!



EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Exposure: sky image - 1/50 land image - 1/15
Aperture: f/19.9
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias: sky image - -1.67 land image - 0
Flash Off, Did not fire

Post-Produciton Software: Photoshop Elements 4.0
-Increased contrast of sky a moderate amount, saturation a slight amount
-Increased contrast and saturation of land a slight amount
-Merged two photos together as an HDR

[Corey Thompson]

I like all the detail in the sky but the road being off to the left doesn't work for me. I think if the road were straight down the center of the photo, it might add more interest and symmetry to the photo.

[CerMullen]

I disagree. I really like this photo. You see the storm off to the left and the clear skies to the right. The road is offset by the mountain and you couldn't have asked for a better color car. I like this shot.

[PrNate]

I, too, like this. There are converging lines and the sky an interesting color where the road and the fence line converge.

[windrider86]

I have many photos of this same scenery, seems the weather lately is quite cooperative. For me, I like the road and would like to see more of it included in the photo. It adds a nice needing line to the rock formation.
Perhaps a bit more post work to remove the fence lines. A wooden fence might be nice but those darn lil metal stakes in the ground are just not very attractive. I'm on the fence tho with the car, not sure if I like it or not.

[mwatson]

I like this picture. The road, to a certain degree, leads you eye to the mountain. You were pretty wide so it is hard to ask you have more of the road and still get the mountain without stepping back quite a ways. And, if you step back, you run the risk of losing your rock due to distance. I think you framed it pretty well.

As for the car, this picture screams desolate. I would try it again without any cars.