Tag: HDR

Metamorphosis of a Photo

Along the Las Llajas Trail (2 of 6)

I just spread out my mosen – planning on some sumi-e – but while it flattens out after dampening, and ironing – I am rummaging through some older pictures from hikes this summer.  One hike which produced dramatic skies was earlier this year – just last month?!?!? – along the Las Llajas trail in Simi Valley.  The picture above is straight out of the camera.  Sky exposure was great; the lower portion is way too dark.

This next one is just lightened up in LR using different techniques.  Not too interesting.

Along the Las Llajas Trail (4 of 6)

This next one is the raw file exported from LR 5.6 to Photomatix Pro – some putzing, not too horrible overall. Still, not quite to my liking.

Along the Las Llajas Trail (3 of 6)

Finally, black and white processing using LR and Silver Efex Pro 2. It works best, in my opinion, but the bottom portion of the picture, in the sand, could still use some help.

Along the Las Llajas Trail (1 of 6)

It never ceases to amaze me how we can manipulate photos on the computer.

What do you think?

 

Fire Road to Somewhere

Fire Road to Somewhere

I expect the fire roads of many back country areas are dirt, but perhaps a little more green, with a few more trees. In the dry mountains and hills of California, this is a pretty typical scene. However, when you are in the middle of it all, taking the time to look gives you an appreciation for the beauty of plant and animal life. Up here are lizards and coyotes, snakes and birds. The plants are adapted to a life in a dry land, so leaves are small and flowers appear with a small amount of rain, so the seeds for the next season can regenerate the species. The air, too, can be filled with smells, such as the scent of resinous plants.

If you like, click on the image for a bigger view. This is a panorama processed in LR5 and Photomatix Pr.