NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Processing & Publication => Topic started by: PeterN on November 24, 2015, 14:35:05

Title: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 24, 2015, 14:35:05
Without further delay, here is challenge #9.

It is entirely up to your imagination, mood and processing skills how a landscape like this should look like. Dramatic, colorful, BW, panorama, aspect, etc. Objects added, deleted. All is allowed. For sure, the horizon needs to be straightened. ;-)

I am looking forward to learning from the solutions you find! I will pick a winner in about a week or so.

Have fun!

ahhh....almost forgot the link:
http://www.visualcue.photography/img/g794647113-o991629877.dat?dl=2&tk=gxIfwr2IesSWNEr2x-xYZkE4X10SW0FRnjMvRYABRno=

Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 24, 2015, 14:44:44
my attempt
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 24, 2015, 14:54:29
Peter, congratulations on your win, you deserved it! ;)
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: John Geerts on November 24, 2015, 14:59:22
Let's be faster this time ;)   

Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 24, 2015, 15:04:15
oh wow, you are quick, guys! Wonderful interpretations.

Fons: I did not know these colors could be pulled out of the photo!
Jakov: clever mirroring of image and colors
John: You are definitely in time! that looks dramatic! Macphun?
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: John Geerts on November 24, 2015, 15:20:25
Macphun?  No, regular step by step post-processing. I like to know what I am doing ;)   I used this time DxO and CC.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 24, 2015, 15:23:13
Macphun?  No, regular step by step post-processing. I like to know what I am doing ;)   I used this time DxO and CC.

thanks. It looks like you know what you're doing. ;-)

Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: HCS on November 24, 2015, 20:38:49
I'd also like to know what i'm doing ... but i don't  8) 1st step photomatix, 2nd step capture one
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 25, 2015, 05:22:35
I thought it needed colour

btw this place looks very familiar :)
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 25, 2015, 10:48:38
btw this place looks very familiar :)

Lake Leake in Tasmania. Have you been there?

Hans - that's a lot of drama in that photo!
Elsa- a creative and colorful interpretation. The Dutch always like orange colors. ;-)

Keep going!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 25, 2015, 10:55:39
I could have sworn that was a dam/lake in Grabouw (where I took the image for challenge 8) same dead trees! Unbelieveable

As per your question in the PM - I used a NIK filter - Colour Efex Pro - Graduated User Defined filter. Thats what happens when one gets lazy :)
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 25, 2015, 11:00:21
I could have sworn that was a dam/lake in Grabouw (where I took the image for challenge 8) same dead trees! Unbelieveable

As per your question in the PM - I used a NIK filter - Colour Efex Pro - Graduated User Defined filter. Thats what happens when one gets lazy :)

And I was thinking that Grabouw referred to the species in the photo! please don't tell the other forum members..

BTW: I do think that using presets and filters is smart rather than lazy. ;-) Time is precious.

Fons and Jakov: how did you process yours, if I may ask?
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 25, 2015, 11:42:38
I have an emotional response to such pictures, for reasons irrelevant in this context. So always looking for the subliminal message about the man-induced change of ecosystem.

Most landscapes taken with very wide views tend to lack 'focus' [sic]. So also this one.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 25, 2015, 12:51:51
I have an emotional response to such pictures, for reasons irrelevant in this context. So always looking for the subliminal message about the man-induced change of ecosystem.
Most landscapes taken with very wide views tend to lack 'focus' [sic]. So also this one.

I am intrigued by your interpretation, Bjørn! I would never have thought about cropping out the sky since it was such an integral part of the scenery. Which is definitely a visual bias of me.

When I saw the lake I thought the lake was polluted. So I had to look it up. Apparently the Lake was formed in 1886. It was the largest artificial impoundment in Australia. It is amazing that 130 years later, many drowned trees still stand. For how long?  If I would have know earlier, I may have decided to focus more on the trees, perhaps even trying to isolate one in a photo. But I'm afraid someone else has to do it. It's a long way from here. ;-)

Out of curiosity: what do you mean by lack of focus? Aren't wide angle views by definition shot to illustrate grandeur and, eh, wide-ness?
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 25, 2015, 12:58:41
In the attempt of "getting everything included and focused", like using a very wide lens, you leave sorting of the elements and their relative importance to the viewer. I prefer the photographer to be the one doing that evaluation.

It is food for thought that even the Himalayas will be reduced to niggles in the horizon if you put a superwide lens on your camera.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 25, 2015, 13:05:09
In the attempt of "getting everything included and focused", like using a very wide lens, you leave sorting of the elements and their relative importance to the viewer. I prefer the photographer to be the one doing that evaluation.

It is food for thought that even the Himalayas will be reduced to niggles in the horizon if you put a superwide lens on your camera.

I agree. It might be the reason why I- nonconsciously - like using a 135mm for landscape work (or use lower aperture values). But I do realize that the photo used for the challenge leaves it all up to the viewer. Thank you for making me aware!

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s2/v61/p1538765228-4.jpg)


Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: armando_m on November 25, 2015, 15:13:23
I missed the last 2 challenges, here is my version for this time around
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 25, 2015, 17:59:42
Great interest in this thread Peter!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 25, 2015, 19:00:56
Great interest in this thread Peter!

And great entries!

Armando - I had not thought about such a crop. Wonderful!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Alex Cejka on November 25, 2015, 19:57:01
Enhanced contrast, convert to B&W, dodge and burn, crop:

Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 26, 2015, 06:26:02
nice pano crop Alex
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 26, 2015, 07:38:29
I agree with Elsa. It adds to the drama of the (rest of the) postprocessing
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Thomas G on November 26, 2015, 22:42:38
nuked
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 27, 2015, 07:51:08
It felt indeed like that, Thomas. Creative!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Thomas G on November 27, 2015, 19:40:17
It felt indeed like that, Thomas. Creative!
Thank's.
I got into some artistic mood on your challenge - it's still all done in LR though.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on November 29, 2015, 09:59:56
Anyone interested in sharing interpretations/edits? I will choose Tuesday morning (my time zone). It will be tough, if not almost impossible, to choose... Thank you for your entries!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 30, 2015, 15:03:59
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/612/23314009072_db26c341f7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/BwboDE)
Nikongear Edit Challenge 9 (https://flic.kr/p/BwboDE) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 30, 2015, 20:28:28
The diversity is great. If I did not know I would hardly guess this is the same negative.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on December 01, 2015, 09:16:44
A beautiful interpretation, Jørgen!

And Frank, I agree: such a diversity! It will be tough to decide. But I am going to work on it and will be back shortly.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on December 01, 2015, 10:46:48
First, I would like to thank you for participating in this challenge. I do realize that you were limited by the input you got but you’ve made some special things!

I looked at the photos without knowing the names, so I discuss them based on the sequence of posting. After selecting the image, I checked who the artist was.

#1
This colorful and impressionist interpretation of the as-shot-image. I am not sure if people would be able to tell what it represents, but to me it is clear: clouds, water and trees can be identified.
I was somewhat puzzled what the intention of the artist was but I see a “happiness” in the image.

#2
This impressionist interpretation is more gloomy. Dark clouds and dead trees reminds me of Mordor in Lord of the rings. The color reflections in the water gives a nice touch to this image.
Although I am not sure what the purpose of image mirroring was, it grabbed my attention and that may have been the purpose of doing it. A very nice interpretation.

#3
A panoramic interpretation in color. The structure in the clouds and the contrast/clarity in the trees help in converting a flat image into a dramatic scene. Distortion correction and other processing has been done in a natural manner (eg trees on left and right have not been straightened). A realistic and very nice result indeed.

#4
This is an example of taking the Silver Efex full contrast and full structure preset a step further. No crop, no lens corrections, and I don’t think no horizon leveling. There are clearly some black “halos” around the dead trees. Although perhaps a bit extreme, the image leaves me with an impression of a harsh, perhaps cold and windy environment. I like drama in BW photos but for this scene it is over the top compared to the other interpretations.

#5
We are switching from a harsh environment to a scene of loneliness and - in a way - also a scene of serenity on the Orange Planet. That interpretation might be the result of being in an optimistic mood today. Perhaps the artist’s intention was to show a sky in fire. ;-) Whatever it is, it is a beautiful result.

#6
This one intrigued me from the start. It is a totally different view (and crop) that puts emphasis on the dead trees in the water and leaves the cloud formation entirely out. There are no visual cues where this scene could have been shot but it can be interpreted as a complaint against human intervention (flooding an area  or climate change) if one takes the intense red color into consideration. It could also be interpreted as a scene that shows that all life is temporary. Whatever it is, it is thought-provoking!

#7
Another very interesting and different view on the scene in 1 by 1 and in natural colors and structure/clarity in the cloud formation as well as the rees. The horizon has been shifted on purpose. The crop puts emphasis on the dead trees in the middle left but also on the living trees in the background. The soil in the foreground gives depth to the scene. Even the duck becomes better visible.

#8
This BW panoramic interpretation is all about drama. The increased contrast and structure visualizes harshness; a climate/environment you don’t want to live in.  I wonder how this image has been processed. The cloud formation seem to show some watercolor effect but it’s difficult for me to tell without being able to look at 100%. Nevertheless a very nice, dramatic interpretation that shows wideness. Compared to #4 this interpretation looks more natural.

#9
My first thought was: an atomic bomb has just been detonated. The changed perspective adds to that feeling. I also liked that the image is in color. The orange areas gives something extra. A very creative, great interpretation!

#10
A panaroma crop in BW that emphasizes the dead trees in the foreground. By doing so, there is no need to add drama in the sky. As is, the sky gives a nice framing of the rest of the scene. But I can’t help wondering if a tighter crop on the right would have put even more emphasis on the dead trees in the foreground. Other than that, a great result!



So how can I ever make a choice between such beautiful and different interpretations? Initially I thought to base my opinion on the feeling that the scene gave me when I was there. But after seeing and studying the results, I decided to stick to those interpretations that triggered the strongest emotion, surprised me and triggered some new insights. Since I had already opened each image in a separate tab in the browser, I threw another glance at each photo, switched my attention to something else (coffee) and made a choice after letting my subconscious brain work on it for a while.

My choice is #7, which is from Armando Morales.

Congratulations, Armando! You really got me thinking into a completely different direction with your interpretation!

My sincere apologies to anyone else. I appreciate and admire your work and participation. You are all winners!

Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on December 01, 2015, 10:51:59
Congrats Armando!

Impressive amount of commenting Peter!
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on December 01, 2015, 11:08:35
Impressive amount of commenting Peter!

I am trying to improve my "photo assessment/interpretation" skills, so I might be looking at the wrong things, misinterpret, state the obvious, etc. But putting emotions into words hopefully helps improve my skills. 
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: armando_m on December 01, 2015, 14:50:56
Thanks Peter! What an honor  :D

Now you put me in the difficult position of finding a file that may represent a challenge for the NG crowd, not a simple matter

I've something in mind and I'm uploading it to dropbox

there is a duck ? I didn't realize it was there until your comments

Edit: link to challenge #10 Challenge 10 (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2121.0.html)
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on December 01, 2015, 14:59:21
I am trying to improve my "photo assessment/interpretation" skills, so I might be looking at the wrong things, misinterpret, state the obvious, etc. But putting emotions into words hopefully helps improve my skills.

Humans are better describing their visions through words than by images. The phrase 'an image tells more than 1000 words' is actually correct so far as our ability to communicate visually is concerned: we have much better and refined tools of communication in our language.
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on December 02, 2015, 15:09:33
Humans are better describing their visions through words than by images. The phrase 'an image tells more than 1000 words' is actually correct so far as our ability to communicate visually is concerned: we have much better and refined tools of communication in our language.

indeed. That system evolved over many, many, many years after our ability to communicate via visuals was no longer enough. BTW: there are people, so-called "image thinkers", who can visualize instantly and see something as an image but do have difficulty putting it in words. Parallel processing/"whole image thinking" occurs mainly in the right side of the brain, while our language center is in the left side of the brain (exception: left-handed males).
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on December 02, 2015, 15:16:21
Many people ask me how on earth did I get that result from the scene they witnessed themselves, and my answer is always 'pure spinal reflex' thus envisioning something  I later really have to analyse to cast into words. Then I can see the beauty and logic of it. 
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: PeterN on December 02, 2015, 15:44:29
I like that phrase, especially the "pure spinal reflex".
Title: Re: Edit Challenge #9: landscape
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 03, 2015, 12:09:49
Humans are better describing their visions through words than by images. The phrase 'an image tells more than 1000 words' is actually correct so far as our ability to communicate visually is concerned: we have much better and refined tools of communication in our language.

it is a steep learning curve but if you a tad talented and ready for many years of hard work it might get you somewhere.

Business in another thing, also talent and work but also be ready to fall on your face and get up stand up again.

Photo business is both and no guarantee you will be either rich or famous....