So as I stated in the critique section the other day, I have a little project going and instead of gummin up the critique zone with an image or 2 every day i figured I would just centralize them to one spot and you guys can give me your thoughts as I go.
right now I am exploring new techniques in PS as well as a little project to use only a 50mm for the next week, which is unusual for me. I rarely use this lens and this is going to be one of those eye opening weeks.

I really like the feel and composition of the first shot. Any particular effect applied? it looks HDRish. The horizon almost looks painted, nice effect. I have mixed feelings on the DOF, but it does add a surreal feeling in the distance. Might also be interesting to re-visit this shot with a wider angle when you have concluded your 50mm work. I like the second shot but does not give me any feeling like the first. Both nice shots John.

Originally Posted by cnyram

I really like the feel and composition of the first shot. Any particular effect applied? it looks HDRish. The horizon almost looks painted, nice effect. I have mixed feelings on the DOF, but it does add a surreal feeling in the distance. Might also be interesting to re-visit this shot with a wider angle when you have concluded your 50mm work. I like the second shot but does not give me any feeling like the first. Both nice shots John.

You might call it a hand blended HDR. It is created with 3 images but by blending by hand I have much more control over the effect. Once I get the basic effect done I also apply some dodge and burn. In the shadows and highlights. I tried with the second image but it was not nearly as attractive to me so I used the original and did some basic corections before also using the dodge and burn tools

first one is well composed and a good subject but the effects are over done for MY taste. The second one, well it seams sharp, but the subject matter is lacking. Am I supposed to be looking at the uninteresting rock, the uninteresting post or the flowery weeds? I don't mean to sound harsh, but subject matter is 50% of what makes good photo. Keep at it and keep posting!

Originally Posted by JoeLewisPhoto

first one is well composed and a good subject but the effects are over done for MY taste. The second one, well it seams sharp, but the subject matter is lacking. Am I supposed to be looking at the uninteresting rock, the uninteresting post or the flowery weeds? I don't mean to sound harsh, but subject matter is 50% of what makes good photo. Keep at it and keep posting!

I do plan to go back. This little area is pretty cool and I want to also catch it on a little brighter feeling day.

Originally Posted by cnyram

I really like the feel and composition of the first shot. Any particular effect applied? it looks HDRish. The horizon almost looks painted, nice effect. I have mixed feelings on the DOF, but it does add a surreal feeling in the distance. Might also be interesting to re-visit this shot with a wider angle when you have concluded your 50mm work. I like the second shot but does not give me any feeling like the first. Both nice shots John.

Not Harsh at all, subject matter can be subjective though. Each person has an idea of what makes a photo work or not. Some like flowers and some like mountains etc. I can honestly say there are many "seasoned" photographers even here that i do not care for their images. It is a matter of taste. While I do have my issues with this image, I focused on the post with the intent to make the rocks and flowering bush seem in focus creating a triangle. My issues with the image had to do with lack of pop so I have since revisited the bracket and resolved that issue
I also do plan to shoot this again because I was unable to get the path to the right into the frame, which IMO would have changed the entire make up of the image

As I have said over and over I am not a fan of over done HDR, BUT the 1st image has stirred up a lot of positive feedback in the last few hours so I am hesitant to change it at all.

I'm not a big fan of HDR myself, but I must say I like the first shot. I think it looks cool. I'm not so sure about the second shot, though. Doesn't do a thing for me. Maybe, like you said, if you get that path in the shot and re-post, it might make a difference. Good work, bud.

So tonight I had a plan to go down and spend the evening getting shots into the sunset. While I have not been able to make one shot work the way i want from the sunset, I was also fortunate to be able to shoot some shots of a thunder storm as it passed as well.
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Wow, these are fabulous!!!

Excellent shots John!

I guess you'll remember when you took these with the flag at half mast

Thanks guys. I am pretty proud of these. It is literally the first time I have been able to get decent lightning shots so for me it is a "moment" lol
Oddly, I dont know whats up but I noticed a round purple haze in a few of the images near center. IDK if it is my camera or the lens or just some type of reflection. I do know I need to clean the sensor though.