House in Woods Hole, MA

[sdega315]

I really liked this shot initially, but have been frustrated in post processing it. I am still a noob at PS, so I'd love ideas on how to tweak it. This is the original shot with no adjustments.

In terms of composition, I wonder about the ratio of sky to foreground. The cloud was very dramatic in person, but I'm not certain I caught that drama.

I took it with a Sony DSLR a300. I believe I was set to landscape scene mode.
EXIF data:
iso 100
f/13
70 mm
1/200 sec



Thanks!

[Joyce Matthews]

I think it's a great shot. The cloud is very dramatic. Some cropping might make the cloud look even more ominous. I noticed you have a couple of spots in the sky (probable on the lens) that need to be taken out. Also the horizon could use some straightening. I'am sure there is more in post processing you could do but I'm a beginner myself so I can't help with that. Sorry

[TSA]

This is a beautiful image, the cloud pattern is incredible and that house looks amazing in this ambience. I m also sure the original histogram will show that everything in this image is within the dynamic range. So to start with you have a fantastic original image to work with.

The processing that I would do if this were my image is as follows :

1. Rotate the image slightly to get the horizon completely straight
2. Duplicate the original layer and use curves tool to adjust the lighting and contrast
2a. First I will get the histogram stretched by choosing an appropriate black point and white point
2b. Then I would increase the contrast marginally by getting a S shaped curve (pull down the curve lower by a couple of points on the dark side and pull up the curve on the highlight side.
3. Boost the saturation by 15 points or so
4. Crop for composition following rule of third (1/3rd for the sea and the beach & 2/3rd for the sky and clouds). Try and see if I can put the house at a intersection point if possible, atleast a vertical third line.
5. Resize for the resolution required and then sharpen 5 points or so with a 5 point radius.

The result should be stunning image, all because the original is awesome and blends itself to processing very well

[MommaDukes52]

Hope you don't mind I played with your photo. Not that mine is better I just wanted to play.
Remove it if I shouldn't have done this.

Pat

[ricklumpas]

Everything has been said by TSA. I just want to encourage you to experiment on the advance features of your dslr. The PP doen by MommaDukes52 is adequate, just don't overdo it nor deny it.

[windrider86]

Your image has a lot of potential! Dramatic clouds, great sky, leading lines etc.
What I would do is to create a bit more contrast in the clouds. Do some selective burning and dodging. Unsharp mask (straighten).
Might even be inclined to see what this puppy looks like as a black and white. A very and I mean very slight vingette
For me, the dramtic clouds are screaming for black and white

[simona.boglea]

I would also try a B/W with high contrast and remove those irritating spots in the upper right corner.

[windrider86]

Please forgive me but I had to play with this, if you mind tell me and I will delete it right away. anyway, play with the channels and a lil smudge. I did this in less than 10 minutes so it isnt the greatest edit but you get the idea how dramtic it can be

[MarcoDJ]

The clouds must be refreshed after being turned B/W. Great image! Great shot! And like windrider said... It does have alot of potential!!! Awesome.

I'm a noob in post processing myself, so I'll just ride to what they already said