Taken on The Buchon Trail which is along the California Coast between Montaña de Oro State Park and Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. The website for information to get here and rules and regulations is: https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/in-your-community/local-environmen...
Nothing "wrong" with picture, but . . . . I feel that maybe you could have found an angle to feature one or two rocks more prominently than the rest. How do you feel about changing skys? I do it when necessary and it dds to the picture.
Thank you for your comments!
I agree that other compositions which would have made a stronger image probably do exist, however, I probably would have broken the aforementioned "rules". As you are not supposed to venture off the existing trail, which does have roped-off delineators in specific spots - this one in particular. I did a quick google image search for "Buchon Trail" and I was surprised to see several similar shots as mine here......they followed the rules too. I was on my stomach with my tripod and camera set as low as I could get it, shooting below the ropes.
As for sky replacement, I must say I do like to stay pretty realistic to the moment, but also I haven't learned how to do sky replacement. I have darkened and lightened the sky and changed grey skies to blue. So I can see a use for it as I learn how to do it.
WOW! I have never heard of such rules except inside a cave complex in Spain. I suppose it is necessary in places where there is danger.
You are right to be cautious about changing things artificially. I do it but am not prepared to do much more than that and certainly not letting AI do it. My picture WHERE DID YOU PUT IT DAD is composed of 4 shots but no AI, all 4 shots are mine.
I have stitched together panoramas and have tried HDR Merge to blend exposures of high dynamic range. I also use filters in front of the lens to try to accomplish the same thing. I have stacked many images of the Moon to get more resolution and detail too. Plus all the tools and sliders in photo editing software. There seems to definitely be a place for it, and there are times all the tools or any should not be used.
It's a great debate and a broad discussion. One where each photographer will have an opinion.
But as I am learning, I think the key for me is to learn the use of the tools and basic principles, to try and get as much correct in camera...learn the TRADE and that will be something no one can take from you. But additionally, learn the TRICKS, editing, and trust I will know when to use them or not.
Oh one other thought,
there is an artistic side to this medium where creative license lies with the creator. I see nothing wrong with that aspect, although I wouldn't want the creative to be a magician without disclosing that fact.
Then instead of an artist they'd be an artistic CON-MAN!
A HUGE subject. I am glad that I am not a working pro any more and having to deal with artística integrity and AI
You say you are learning. Man-it never stops. I self taught in the days of Rolleiflex, hand held exposure meters, 12 shots on a roll, no previews etc. And now 60 years later I struggle to keep up with the tide of NEW gear and techniques!
I attend the University of YouTube....at least that is what I call it. So much help is out there.
Fstoppers also continually brings information and teaching opportunities via the internet serving it up daily on quite a few subjects from techniques, tools, and gear.
A challenge becomes trying to find balance between learning and practice and everyday life.
I was not in a financial position to explore film much when I was younger, my first camera was a Brownie Target Six-20 purchased from a thrift store in the 1970's. Plus, I spent a few weeks of concentrated study in a high school special program. We were taught some basics and got to take images and use the enlargers and dark room to develop them. I don't remember much other than it was fun!
Now I am fortunate to have digital, and time, not that time is guaranteed, to dive deeper into photography....the cool part it is STILL FUN!
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