After the Storm
Uploaded: February 05, 2014
El Capitan from Tunnel View, Yosemite Nat'l Park
I almost didn't take this picture. The best light had just faded, and Half Dome and Clouds Rest retreated back into the clouds before my eyes as I walked from my car to stone railing at Tunnel view. But of course, once you are there, you have to snap the shutter at least once. I'm glad I did.
Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 19.10 mm, Model: NEX-7
Stephen Shoff February 05, 2014
Quite a bit of interpretive post-processing on this.The lighting on El Capitan, and the detail of the base of Half Dome at the far end of the valley are what I saw at the time I arrived even though they were gone by the time I snapped the picture.
My interpretive intent was to capture what I saw and what I felt when I first arrived, not to just document the scene at the point of capture. My goal in this post processing was to get the image to the next step beyond the photograph representation.
Opinions? #1562420
Stephen Shoff February 05, 2014
This is the image as it entered CS6. Basic tonal adjustments along with Clarity and Vibrance adjustments had been done in ACR. Also had warmed the light on the face of El Capitan. #10967992Kalena Randall February 06, 2014
I like this shot, Stephen. I think your edits are nice. Bringing the warmth up on El Capitan brought a nice depth and interpretation to the photo by making it the center piece. The only thing I see and it may be my computer screen is noise in the sky area, but to me this gives the photo look like it is a canvas print. :-)
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Stephen Shoff February 06, 2014
If you are looking at the "After the Storm" post, I think, Kalena, what you are seeing is the [desired] effect of the Oil Paint filter I applied. #10968398Jeff E Jensen February 07, 2014
Well, I like what you've done with this one, Stephen. #10969071Kalena Randall February 07, 2014
Thanks for letting me know I wasn't seeing things. I like the painting effect on this. It fits this beautiful shot.:-) #10969414
Teresa H. Hunt February 07, 2014
Ummmmm . . . . WOW!!! I love this one. I would hang it on my wall. :)I noticed the noise too, but if it's on purpose I won't say anything. ;) #10969656
Susan Williams February 08, 2014
A little bit of heaven. I love it. #10970791Peter W. Marks February 09, 2014
This is such a delightful image Stephen but I only wish I hadn't read all the enhancement stuff you did to it- there is no way I could have even conceived of, let alone performed all those steps to the final version. :0)Dale Hardin February 09, 2014
Great catch, Stephen. Glad you did not round file it. I like your edits a lot.However, I know I probably would have treated it differently, by creating a bit more drama to accent the differences in light. Just a personal preference fueled by jealousy because you found this unique view instead of me. :o) #10971649
Elaine Hessler February 09, 2014
Wow I love what you did with this. The light is beautiful. I thought the sky was noisy too, but I understand this is a filter you used. The way it looks on my monitor, I wouldn't mind if it were not there, it just makes me do a double take on the sky. Lovely image Stephen! #10971765Stephen Shoff February 09, 2014
I realize I should have added one more detail to myinterpretive intent -- The Oil Paint filter was applied with print medium intent, not monitor. #10971773Beth Spencer February 10, 2014
I am late to this one. I really like the way you processed this one! The light is amazing and draws attention where it needs to be!!! I bet this was an amazing time to been there and I am glad you decided to take that picture! I think this one needs hung on your wall! #10972057Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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