New Post Processing--> What needs work?

[fullframefotos]

So I have been messing around with a luminosity mask affect. This is one of the first images I edited with the new mask. Does the image appear over saturated? I think this image reflects that landscape and moment really well. The brightness has been enhanced, is that overly apparent? Generally how is the composition? I was trying to incorporate a little bit more of the course, landscape in this one is that apparent? This was posted on a cycling Web site (chosen by the moderator) kind of made me like the affect a bit more. What's the general impression of the image? Overly edited, good reflection of realistic color and tones?

Thanks for looking... I enjoy all positive and negative feedback!

Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 46 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

[karen_s]

That's a nice shot. Good action and I like the guys in pursuit in the background.

Crop wise, I think this works pretty well although I might try cropping in a bit from the right and left. Doing that might bring a bit more emphasis to you rider but still leave enough of the great scenery to get a sense of the place. I do think it can work either way, just depends on what you are trying to say.

As far as the treatment, I kinda like the effect on the background as it does seem to bring out a variety of colors and still look natural, but the riders skin tones look very orange on my screen (looked at it on two different screens and it was orange on both). I might try to make those a bit more natural looking. I could be way off too as he might just have a really great tan :-)

And I looked at some of your other shots and they really do look good. You seem to have a good eye for the sport.

[fullframefotos]

Thank you for the lengthy and very helpful comment. I think I chose the crop because of the horizon line of the mountains. I think a closer crop would be nice but I played with it and like that result the best. I agree that his skin looks a bit off tone... He had a very impressive tan but I think the tone needs a bit of cleaning up. I'm glad you like my shots and thanks again for the nice response.

[karen_s]

Well, I do like that line of the mountain top too. I can see why you kept it.

Sorry 'bout the lengthy comment. I'm actually a very quiet person but online I tend to turn into 'talkative girl' :-)

And, I went to a couple of MTB races this summer to take pics (although I might actually ride this year) and I loved it. Dirt and sweat makes for some great moments.