This is my first attempt at blending two exposures using luminosity masks (Lumenzia v7). Steep learning curve for, but fairly happy with the result. Constructive comments and suggestions welcome. My one worry is the foreground is too dark, but its a fine line getting it to work with the sky...
This was also my first go of using the weather app "Clear Outside" to predict the high cloud which gave this sunset.
Photo is of Dunluce castle, Northern Ireland.
I like the "feeling" of the photo. The sun is almost down and the sky is gray. Not too dark. Nice job!
Thanks!
I too am starting try and figure out balancing elemenst of the image where you bring up a dark area and it impacts a lighter area. Very nice composure and being able to plan light more accurately must be a boon.
I haven't even tried luminosity masking, Karl. However, what catches my eye in this otherwise fine, moody image (as Marcia suggests) is an unnatural-looking darkening of the building tops and adjacent cliff edge, no doubt an artifact of the process.
Thanks Chris! Yes, that still bugs me as well. For some reason I couldn't get the two images aligned (Photoshop's auto-align function seemed to make it worse). The result was either an obvious white line around the edge or this shadow. I will try again as I learn more about the technique. Glad you spotted it!
Cheatin', I know, but I've just dodged the dark areas in your image:
No more cheating than the luminosity masking! Thanks, looks much better! I'll attempt this myself on my high res version when I get a chance.
I love Dunluce Castle and I love how you have created the image. Having been here a few times I think you have captured the mood of this place really well. The only thing that bothers me is the rock in the foreground, I'm not sure why but I think it doesn't stand out as well as it should.
Brilliant image!
Thanks Andrew. This was my 3rd time visiting and am also really pleased. I hear what you are saying. Will see if I can make it stand out a little more.
I think the reason is the "flat" light, as the sun is behind the foreground scene, which is lit by diffuse light from the sky. Thus, contours and shapes are not highlighted much. This can be compensated for by increasing the contrast in the rock, but taking this too far can look unnatural. I have done so in this edit for illustrative purposes.
I think you are right with the flat light, the top of the rock seems to blend with the rest of the cliff in the background. As you say its a fine balancing act. Needless to say I really love the overall photo :)
Amazing, thanks Chris! I am going to try a similar edit with the full res version, when I get the time. Apologies for the delayed reply. Have been offline due to travels and taking more pics!