Too much contrast in the sky?

[konrad]

Hello!

It's my first post at DPS Forum so : Happy New Year and Happy New Decade

I would like to put forward for critique a picture I took during my winter holidays in Gdansk (Poland) - you can read more about the background of this picture HERE

My questions is about the contrast of the sky: Do you think there is too much contrast of the sky? Is it too harsh?

Any additional comments/critiques are more than welcomed!



EXIF:
Camera Model: NIKON D90
Exposure Time: 1/800 sec
F-Number: f/5.6
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Focal Length: 26.00 mm

[Nicole]

I think the sky is too harsh for my liking. The bottom of the picture is quite dark and doesn't have a lot of texture, the sun rays are quite soft, and then the clouds just seem over the top to me. Have you tried toning them back a bit to see if that is effective?

[konrad]

Thanks Nicole!

I tried many things and I really had problems which adjustments to choose for final results. It's one of those photos that on the one hand you want to get rid of them but on the other hand you feel you can make them work with adjustments here and there I will try to sit again on this pictures in a couple of weeks and see what I can do it.

[Nicole]

Yep, I know what you mean. I can totally see why you want to keep the shot, I just think there's something not quite there on the adjustments. If you do choose re-edit it at some point, make sure you post that one too

[hpebley3]

Originally Posted by konrad

My questions is about the contrast of the sky: Do you think there is too much contrast of the sky? Is it too harsh?

Well, that's quite a subjective question. It's certainly not natural but I assume you're going for more of an artsy look. I kind of like it, but I tend towards a contrasty look. That said, overall, it might be a bit over the top.

If it were me, I'd probably do some selective adjustments, rather than global ones. In other words, the cloud part is really dramatic, but the bright sunlit part could be toned down a little. Also, I'd definitely try to lighten up the bottom to bring some detail back into that area.

Hope that helps.