Even on a bright monitor, the shadow details are really difficult to see here. I like inky black shadows as much as the next guy, but I also want to see the hikers' gear, if only so they don't look like giant black blobs.
I used a slight Curves adjustment to boost the shadows a bit while also giving the background a more washed out look to enhance the misty appearance.
As far as composition, I would have stood further to the right (if that was possible) and maybe a few steps ahead to eliminate the tree branches from the foreground and get more of the terrain while waiting until the hikers were further along the path. Since I can't see their faces, I don't need them to be the main subject of the image and instead want to focus on the surroundings. (But keep them in the photo for scale!)
Even on a bright monitor, the shadow details are really difficult to see here. I like inky black shadows as much as the next guy, but I also want to see the hikers' gear, if only so they don't look like giant black blobs.
I used a slight Curves adjustment to boost the shadows a bit while also giving the background a more washed out look to enhance the misty appearance.
As far as composition, I would have stood further to the right (if that was possible) and maybe a few steps ahead to eliminate the tree branches from the foreground and get more of the terrain while waiting until the hikers were further along the path. Since I can't see their faces, I don't need them to be the main subject of the image and instead want to focus on the surroundings. (But keep them in the photo for scale!)