Landscape Some of that Blue Ridge magic

raderstudios · 05-09-2021, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the thoughts, y'all! It's interesting that the consensus here is that there is no consensus. I'm still on the fence about it, myself, but it's good to hear that it's not a unanimous verdict that the flare ruins the shot.

Some backstory about this composition... I see what some of you have said about the trees in the foreground, and trying to move a bit to be able to minimize / remove them from the shot. I kinda liked the way they were catching the light, though (the rock on the left, too). And the bigger problem was that I was already precariously perched in the once spot that I could find firm footing for the tripod amidst the tangle of fallen trees that covered the hillside. Sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt. I'll try doing a crop of the right 3rd and see how it comes out, but I think the foreground trees will still be problematic.

Any thoughts on how to reduce the flare in future efforts?

mee · 05-09-2021, 08:15 PM

The trees are a big distraction in the middle of the scene to me. I like the warmth though.

**John in OZ** · 05-11-2021, 05:06 AM

Originally posted by raderstudios

At first I was a bit disappointed, but I think I like the flare. Thoughts? Any and all comments welcome!

Flare and some ghosting too. Great in personal album but not likely a saleable image to my way of thinking. Try finding shadow from nearby tree to this scene for similar view point. Have had similar and have had success though view point might not be quite what you want.

**robgski** · 06-04-2021, 06:32 PM

The flares are a distraction, IMO, stopping down might have made them less blobby, as well as made the foreground obstructions in focus and less distracting. I have to agree that moving for a better view of the sun rays and ridgeline would have made a better picture, but I also know that sometimes the trees along the roadway limit options.

The Blue Ridge offers so many great views, I go as often as I can.

josephwamsley · 06-20-2021, 02:01 PM

Beautiful shot. I love the color on it and how realistic it is. I also love that you included the different layers of the mountains. It adds so much depth to the shot. Great job. I do agree that the sun flares are a bit distracting for me. Honestly the trees in the foreground are a little distracting for me as well. I believe someone else mentioned it but one of the tops of the trees is breaking above the horizon, which is also a little distracting. Honestly I think I would have loved it more if there were no trees in the foreground, just the mountains. Or if you had a little more interesting foreground that would be great as well. Overall great shot and great edits.

**dneira29** · 07-01-2021, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by raderstudios

At first I was a bit disappointed, but I think I like the flare. Thoughts? Any and all comments welcome!

I honestly like the look of the photo. I feel like the flare gives it a more ethereal vibe!

**Wheatridger** · 11-23-2021, 10:30 PM

Sun flares seem more acceptable in video, where they move to mirror panning movement. I've rarely seen a still photo where flare helps, though. Try Adobe's new masking tools- I wouldn't be surprised if you could remove this.

**Fdooch** · 11-25-2021, 03:30 PM

It's amazing how long this photo has been discussed.

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05-09-2021, 05:36 PM	#16
raderstudios Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Posts: 38 Original Poster	Thanks for the thoughts, y'all! It's interesting that the consensus here is that there is no consensus. I'm still on the fence about it, myself, but it's good to hear that it's not a unanimous verdict that the flare ruins the shot. Some backstory about this composition... I see what some of you have said about the trees in the foreground, and trying to move a bit to be able to minimize / remove them from the shot. I kinda liked the way they were catching the light, though (the rock on the left, too). And the bigger problem was that I was already precariously perched in the once spot that I could find firm footing for the tripod amidst the tangle of fallen trees that covered the hillside. Sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt. I'll try doing a crop of the right 3rd and see how it comes out, but I think the foreground trees will still be problematic. Any thoughts on how to reduce the flare in future efforts?

05-09-2021, 08:15 PM	#17
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	The trees are a big distraction in the middle of the scene to me. I like the warmth though.

05-11-2021, 05:06 AM	#18
John in OZ Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Ringwood, Victoria Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 347	Originally posted by raderstudios At first I was a bit disappointed, but I think I like the flare. Thoughts? Any and all comments welcome! Flare and some ghosting too. Great in personal album but not likely a saleable image to my way of thinking. Try finding shadow from nearby tree to this scene for similar view point. Have had similar and have had success though view point might not be quite what you want.

06-04-2021, 06:32 PM	#19
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,796	The flares are a distraction, IMO, stopping down might have made them less blobby, as well as made the foreground obstructions in focus and less distracting. I have to agree that moving for a better view of the sun rays and ridgeline would have made a better picture, but I also know that sometimes the trees along the roadway limit options. The Blue Ridge offers so many great views, I go as often as I can.

06-20-2021, 02:01 PM	#20
josephwamsley Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Utah Posts: 47	Beautiful shot. I love the color on it and how realistic it is. I also love that you included the different layers of the mountains. It adds so much depth to the shot. Great job. I do agree that the sun flares are a bit distracting for me. Honestly the trees in the foreground are a little distracting for me as well. I believe someone else mentioned it but one of the tops of the trees is breaking above the horizon, which is also a little distracting. Honestly I think I would have loved it more if there were no trees in the foreground, just the mountains. Or if you had a little more interesting foreground that would be great as well. Overall great shot and great edits.

07-01-2021, 10:55 PM	#21
dneira29 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 535	Originally posted by raderstudios At first I was a bit disappointed, but I think I like the flare. Thoughts? Any and all comments welcome! I honestly like the look of the photo. I feel like the flare gives it a more ethereal vibe!

11-23-2021, 10:30 PM	#22
Wheatridger Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado Front Range Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 644	Sun flares seem more acceptable in video, where they move to mirror panning movement. I've rarely seen a still photo where flare helps, though. Try Adobe's new masking tools- I wouldn't be surprised if you could remove this.

11-25-2021, 03:30 PM	#23
Fdooch Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Moscow Photos: Albums Posts: 760	It's amazing how long this photo has been discussed.