Bicycle Sunset - Over processed?

[Infinite Monkey]

I've mainly been working on B/W but do still work some in color. I shot this a few months ago but re-worked it last night. I'd like to get some feedback regarding the crop and whether the image looks over processed? Thanks for your time and thought.



Camera Nikon D80
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 20 mm
ISO Speed 160
Exposure Bias 0 EV

[milosh]

Well, to me it doesn't look over-processed. This is a matter of personal preference and I would say that the colour saturation is "on the edge", ie. a little bit more and it would be too much. I think this is an interesting photo because of the nice reflection in the sand and the bicycle, but it would like to see it placed differently. It would be better if the bike was in the left part of the photo, so it has enough room to move in its direction. Besides that, the left 1/3 of the photo is uninteresting and I would crop it. Or maybe even better, you could crop it to square format, that would place the bicycle almost in the center. Again, that's not ideal but I think it's better than this crop.

[Hill Country Hack]

Originally Posted by milosh

Well, to me it doesn't look over-processed. This is a matter of personal preference and I would say that the colour saturation is "on the edge", ie. a little bit more and it would be too much. I think this is an interesting photo because of the nice reflection in the sand and the bicycle, but it would like to see it placed differently. It would be better if the bike was in the left part of the photo, so it has enough room to move in its direction. Besides that, the left 1/3 of the photo is uninteresting and I would crop it. Or maybe even better, you could crop it to square format, that would place the bicycle almost in the center. Again, that's not ideal but I think it's better than this crop.

I agree with milosh.

[flytyer57]

I also agree with the above comments.

With the bicycle on the left, that side of the image wouldn't be uninteresting and given the bike is heading to the right, an empty beach shot there would still hold interest because the bike is heading there.

Another concept would be to have a longer exposure with the bike leaving a trail across the picture. That would give the left side of the picture some interest.

[Barbara V]

I like the level of saturation, it gives a very real feel of what it must have been like to be there. I also think the bike rider going right into the sunset is pretty cool. I wouldn't change anything.

[Mulski]

I really like it and whilst I agree the bike is heading in the wrong direction, I think the richer colours on the right hand side of the shot suit the bike in that position. I think the slightly darker left hand side of the shot would mean the bikes impact would not be as significant and your eyes would be drawn to divergent points; both sun and bike.

Whilst I'm not always in favour of doctoring photos, i have had people tell me extensive PP is the same thing. As such, have you thought about keeping the bike in the same position and flipping it. Given the wave is directly through the centre of the axles, it may not be too difficult; just a thought...

Cheers

[Infinite Monkey]

Here is a slightly different version. Less saturation and the bike more to the left. I've put this up to offer the comparison and in response to some of the comments and I'm interested to see what people think of the new version. Honestly though, I think I still prefer the original.



Same Exif data applies as above.

[Corey Thompson]

I like the first shot better too. I don't think it's over processed but I wouldn't go any further either.

[nicuRNmama]

I like the first one - the colors are rich giving a deep and peaceful feeling, and the bike moving out of the picture fits with the feeling of the end of the day.

[EOBeav]

Use the colors from #1 to the comp from #2 and you've got a winner. I like where the bicycle is moving into the scene, not out of it.