Trees with Cloudy Sky Backdrop

[24Freak]

My first time seriously using Lightroom. I've used it before for fixing the basic stuff, but this was the first time I really tried to edit an image. What do you think? Too much post processing?

9-20clouds-13.jpg

Canon Rebel XSi
Manual
ISO 100
Shutter 1/320
f/5.6
18mm

Thanks for all feedback!

[aabr]

Im still learning myself, all I can offer you is my opinion- nothing technical.

I think the picture is really great, but the clouds at the top seem over processed... I almost suggested cropping them out entirely, but I do think they add to the picture. Again, take this with a grain of salt.

Amanda

[Bruce A]

Here is my 2 cents worth: the clouds are fine, they break the all blue sky monotony (something that appears in many of my shots because of our incredible weather ). The deep dark blue at the top of the image is overdone imo and with the rule of thirds part of the cloud seems to be the main focal point. Choosing the uneven number of three for the trees is quite valid, but they all sit evenly centered in your image and don't do much for any "wow" factor. In other words, not the greatest composition I've seen. Try to shoot something that leads the eye to the main point of your shoot and google the rule of thirds - it's not set in stone, but it's a great help.

[digirebelva]

Yes, the obvious color difference in the sky needs to be toned down a bit, it's to much. I realise that the sky gets lighter the closer you get to ground, but it's more gradual..

[24Freak]

Thanks for the feedback! I barely noticed the darkness at the top but now that you point it out it is a bit much. And thanks for the tip Bruce.

[fotomagicstudios]

Awesome shot! Here is my take:

Composition:

Three is a good number in photography. I believe the shot would have been more provocative if you had shot with a slight angle to the trees, maybe stood to the left or right and crouched with a slight camera angle upwards. This would have made the tree's seem more magnificent and captured the sky. Like they were reaching out to the clouds.

Colors:

Colors are perfect. The sky seems too dark, possibly due to the vignette filter. Try using the first vignette filter in the preset menu. It brings focus to the subject but doesnt darken the image too much. Another thing to try is to change the hue, saturation, and luminosity of the color green. Try to match the color with the sky's shade, like dark to light, brighter leaves and grass will mix up the colors. You can also increase the vibrance to +10. This will pop the colors for you.

Overall:

Real good shot with good post processing. You did not over process the image. I remember my first attempt and I went too far. I would suggest you start experimenting with the other options available to you in lightroom.

Try some different settings and share them with us here =)

[24Freak]

Thank you fotomagic, I really appreciate the tips. I'll definitely continue to play around with LR. I was worried that I might've over processed the image, particularly the sky. I wish I would have thought of a lower angle; I'll keep that in mind for next time. And I'll work on the vignetting.

Thanks again!

[BK553]

It's a little overdone. You have vignetting at the top (the dark part), and your black levels are a little overdone. Composition is good.

[24Freak]

Thanks for you thoughts, Brian. I'm kind of in love with the black level bar because it seems to bring out so much color and contrast. I need to work on that.