I've been trying to get better at learning to edit my photography. This was the first time I have tried using luminosity masks. What are your thoughts on the photo, and any tips to make it better?
I shot this when I purchased my first camera back in 2014, it was shot on a Canon 50D, with an 18-55mm kit lens. Since then I have upgraded my equipment.
Yes, exactly! But the fact that the rocks are way too dark remains. Is there a way you can position yourself so that the line of rocks is more stretched out so that the lighthouse would move further up and even conform to the rule of thirds? I'll try to make a montage of this here image to get the point across, hang on.
They're could be possibly, but its been years since I have been to this location, let alone Maine, but its possible. I do remember that the tide played a major role on where you could be on the rocks, during sunset.
i like the shot I'm sure with your new equipment you could get a better starting image ...looking good just mind the haloing around the tree line and especially around the top of the lighthouse
It's a little hard to say without seeing the before shot. There are a few things that I notice although I am far from an expert.
-The rocks in the foreground have a lot of nice detail in them but unfortunately as they stand now that detail isn't popping because there is very little contrast in that area.
-The rocks abruptly go very dark once you get past the lighthouse. Maybe this is how it actually is but it looks like it may have been part of the edit, if so try to smooth out that transition.
-The real star of the shot should be the lighthouse but it doesn't pop because it is relatively dark.
I hope you don't mind, I did a really quick adjustment to show what I mean. I created a group with the RGB channel used as a mask to help protect the darkest areas. Then I created an exposure adjustment layer inside that group and inverted it's mask so it as solid black. Then I came back with a soft brush with low flow/opacity to brush in a 2 stop exposure adjustment to selected areas. Brightening up the rocks and lighthouse allows the rocks to lead the viewer's eye up to the lighthouse.
You can obviously adjust the strength of the effect depending on how you want your photo to look and obviously take your time because my paining is a little sloppy but I think you will understand the idea.
Beautiful shot by the way!
I see what you mean about the rocks, getting darker past the lighthouse and there's definitely a way to bring those back in like you said. I guess my thoughts on the lighthouse it should pop because it is the star of the photo, but then my question would be how much? The sun is setting behind it so the front of the lighthouse won't be as prominently lit.
The base photo from the beginning below.
Nice shot, I like it. If you get the chance to shoot this scene again, try to let the line of rocks start in the left bottom corner and form a curve if that's possible. Maybe even shoot this in portrait orientation.
And like Jason mentioned, the foreground looks clipped, be mindful of clipping on either side of the tonal range.
I don't think the foreground is too dark, I think it's just right. We don't live on a planet with two suns. I would like to see the scene captured in morning light. As I get older I shoot fewer "gee whiz" sunset images.
It`s beautiful shot. I would straighten the horizon though. It seems a bit warped. Plus I feel there is something missing in the foreground. Maybe step further away from the lighthouse and see if the rocks can lead the eye better towards the buliding?