Sunset and Cloud formation

[harryhnc]

Being new at this my question is when shooting sunsets and cloud formations, how could I have taken this picture so the beach area (bottom third of the picture) is more visible or is there a way to lighten the exposure of just the bottom half of the picture so the beach is not so dark? I've posted the EFIX data below.

Thanks Harry

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/350)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 80 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

Date and Time: 2009:01:11 05:30:48
YCbCr Positioning: Co-Sited
Exposure Program: Manual

[Jim Bryant]

I went into CS4 - image - adjustment - curves and pulled back on the blacks. Hope this looks better to you. Curves are our friend. I never use auto level or even levels. Beautiful colors in the sky

[harryhnc]

that looks better. I'm going to take a look at GIMP and play with it too. Thank you

[rawHulk]

I read it somewhere on the forums.. but the best way to take such pictures is to use Gradual Neutral Density (GND) filters. Try searching the forums or google for some ideas regarding how they help with taking some good shots for the scenery you are trying to capture.

[rediguana]

HDR is also an option, as is taking two shots - one exposed for sky, and one for beach and then blending them.

[Nathan deGargoyle]

And if you haven't got a grad filter you can create one in GIMP.

Duplicate your background layer and use curves to correct the exposure for the bottom of the image. Don't worry about how washed out the sky looks.

Add a layer mask to the lightened layer. Put a black to white gradient on the layer mask starting just above the horizon. This will leave your original sky but gradually bring out the foreground. Try it starting at different heights above the horizon until you get what you are looking for.



Hope this helps.

[navcom]

I'll throw in my two cents worth...and that' about what it's worth.

I believe the best photos are those that require as little post processing as possible, so my vote would be to use a graduated neutral density filter (ND) as has been pointed out. They will allow you to keep the colors in the sky while pulling detail out of the foreground and will provide the best image quality in the end. If you get serious about sunset/rise photos, invest in a Cokin "P" holder and rectangular filters. They provide the most versatility. Just remember you get what you pay for.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with post processing to get what you want. I use HDR techniques all the time and love it! You just have to be careful not to overdo it or it will look very un-natural.

A couple other things for better sunrises/sets....consider using ISO 100 or 200 and an aperture in the f/11-16 range. The ISO will give you a slightly better image quality(depending on your camera) and the aperture will give you more depth of field. Also, always use a tripod.

Great job!

[GSter]

It is a very nice photograph.
I had a similar issue tonight, taking sunset / snow photos.
It looked like it would be a great night out with the camera, and I just had to move and wait for the right moment. Sunsets change really quickly and for me, tonight was all about being on the right place, with the right composition at the right time (I am sure there is a lot more to photography than this!).
My results were good and meant that I did not need to alter / enhance many of my shots tonight.
As I am very impatient, living in a fast world, it is pretty relaxing to think about the shot I want and waiting for the best moment to take it.

[jeeper]

I use them both ND Filters and post processing, depending on the shot. Nathan did a good job describing the GIMP process. If you are just starting to use the GIMP like me, I found this link helpful.

http://www.luminescentphoto.com/arti.../dynamic2.html

The page describes the process in Photoshop, but it was easy to translate to GIMP. Also, on Youtube there are some good GIMP tutorial by a company called Fotolinq.

http://www.youtube.com/user/fotolinq

The problem I'm having is that most of the time the part of the image that I lighten appears "muddy" for lack of a better word. I anyone can tell me how to help this I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[PhotoNewt]

If you use a GND filter to bring the sky and ground exposure closer together, take the photograph and then post process, you will get FAR BETTER results everytime.