Going to be bold here..

Any chance that we might see the original, sans the HDR post processing?

And why you may ask? And you may, of course.


Your composition is strong.

The subject matter and that of the perspective of long and winding/dipping road is iconic.. and you've captured/represented both extremely well.

And not sure if it was intentional on your part, but, forging ahead.. there is some noticeable grain/noise.

The biggest caveat/drawback, in my humble opinion.. is that of the haloing that has crept in. At the top of the trees, in particular.

So..

You could mitigate that aspect by employing/applying a lil' Burn action (<-- sample image used is not the best, but, the overview of the method/technique is sound if unawares).


I hope you don't mind me sharing my thoughts in the above.

And if you can't discern that I do like the base image, let me reassure you that I do, in fact.

Just not quite there as it stands and as you've presented it to us here.

Quite well aware that I might be missing your creative objective, too. As I am in kinda of a purist mood for some reason.

Erhm.. lucky you?


All that said and nonsense aside..

I am glad to see you back and posting. Make absolutely no mistake about that. :o)

Well I certainly do not mind your criticism! Every part of the look of this photo is what I wanted it to look like, I had many options in the HDR process to answer all your concerns! The problem with that is, they were not MY concerns! I like the way it looks and that's really the only thing I go by!

I added noise to it because I wanted it to look like that I don't get people who think one way is the only way to me the noise gave it a more "dreary" look which is what I was going for. I can take all the criticism and negativity you have and you sure do not have to like my image or the process from which it came, just like I don't have to like computer generated images that did not even require a camera

After reviewing both of your galleries I will only say seems to me you are both a long way from being perfect and could use a few pointers yourself! I post what I like, not what I hope you will like and I do love to get feedback good or bad but I do have a photo posted of the same road in an entirely different type image! I have been around long enough to know all about what you are saying

You did a great job. It has a fairy tale look for me.

Favs for me :o)

Jumps into the middle of the maelstrom here ...

I like it! Maybe because I'm looking at it as an artist and not a photographer?

To me, the effect looks like a photograph that was sketched over with pencil. It adds a different level of definition and visual interest.

I think it's kinda cool, Cal. A neat effect!

With that said, purmusic and Dorthy were approaching it from a purely photography standpoint, without knowing your artistic intentions at the time. I would encourage you not to take their observations as negative, but merely a viewpoint. They were trying to be helpful.

Personally, I would like to say continue posting your work, as you like it. It is your unique vision that is celebrated in each of your works. Let people become acquainted with your sense of style and self-expression.

And recognize that purmusic, Dorothy, and I, we are ALL offering you encouragement and cared enough about your work to comment on it. Okay?

I really hate I made someone mad at me by being blunt in my opinions and they removed their post I did not get mad at the criticism above I just responded with the truth some people cant handle the truth! I do not have the best equipment and certainly lack in skills but I enjoy photography and realize its not always about one style and the "rules" do not always apply! I am sorry I offended anyone but its just my opinion just like you have yours!

Smiles ... well this one turned out to be not so dreary after all, huh? :)

Don't let it weigh on you, Cal.

From what I have seen, you are very talented! And I enjoy your work very much.

As a watercolor artist, I get this. The painterly effect is very nice!