On the run here, Jeff.. however ... some editing food for thought:

"Using the Photoshop Curves Tool"

(Courtesy of cambridgeincolour.com.. a small popup appears initially, just simply click the 'X' to close.)

In particular, about two-thirds of the way down the page; "Transition of Clipped Highlights". You can rollover the sunset image with your mouse to see the difference.


Not sure what post processing and/or plugin/software you've been employing lately in your post work.. have to admit ... some very nice eye candy.

And me.. likes candy.

Thanks Les :), this was a 5-shot composition... each one 2/3 exposure level apart. I combined the shots in Photomatix and then tweaked the levels in Lightroom 4. I don't have Photoshop, so those two programs are what I do the vast majority of my processing in.

With you and your image here in mind, did some googlin', Jeff.. found this video tutorial that is quite a good run through of Lightroom 4:

"Lightroom 4 Using Curves to Create a Preset"


At one juncture the author of the vid does try to shape the Tone Curve.. to adjust for the highlights on the model's face. Which, is in line with the cambridgeincolour.com's tutorial in the first comment above.

So.. you know ... erhm ... something.

I forget.

Where's my slippers and milk?

(*wanders off*)

Very dramatic image Jeff!! Nice work and you should do well with Les's suggestions:) I also like the affect the light glare has in our shot.:) Good job.

Amazing!!

Very cool indeed !