[04/08] Eilean Donan Castle - bit-tech.net Forums

yodasarmpit · 24th Apr 2008, 03:11

#1 Eilean Donan Castle. [This one will be submitted as a POTM entry]

#3 Loch Alsh.

#5 Eilean Donan Castle. UPDATED Version

Vers · 24th Apr 2008, 04:28

#1 Hands down (maybe kill the light spots on the structure -> full silhouette). #5 seems like it could be a great shot but the lack of contrast, specifically in the hillside, takes away from it...possibly a bit of PP could bring it up, maybe a tighter crop as well (more pano-like). Other than that it has a lot of potential...nice lighting and reflection. Hope that doesn't come off to nit-picky, no harm intended.

-Matt

yodasarmpit · 24th Apr 2008, 10:29

Cheers Matt, I know what you mean about #5.
I have a number of shots at various exposures so may try and pull something off in PP.
Still a bit tired after the drive up there and back.

Cthippo · 24th Apr 2008, 10:52

I think #5 is by far the best of the bunch. I so can't wait to get over there and get my own shots!

yodasarmpit · 24th Apr 2008, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cthippo

I think #5 is by far the best of the bunch. I so can't wait to get over there and get my own shots!

It's actually the first time I've been up the West Highlands, I just can't tell you how breathtaking the area is.

Da Dego · 24th Apr 2008, 12:57

I'm really quite a fan of #5. I like #1, but like Matt I see a whole lot of potential in #5. The contrast and slight UV haze is fixable and I think you have the building blocks for a beautiful image underneath.

Unlike Matt, I'm not sure I'd go for a full blackening of the castle in #1. The light isn't really distracting, in fact it provides a focal point within the focal point that I enjoy. It could have been distracting if it were the wrong color or something, but it's actually an asset to the image as far as I'm concerned.

zabe · 24th Apr 2008, 13:59

Well, gotta say that my favorite is number 1, but as other said before, number 5 could look even better with a little bit of ps... and since you guys don't suck as much as I do in post-processing, i'm sure you can bring lots of improvement!!

Hazardous · 24th Apr 2008, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by yodasarmpit

It's actually the first time I've been up the West Highlands, I just can't tell you how breathtaking the area is.

Indeed

It's for precisely that reason, my mum and step-dad never go anywhere else for their annual holiday

"Why would we want to pay £100's - £1,000's to go abroad, when we have such beautiful scenery right on our own doorstep?"

Those photos help illustrate their point entirely

#5 is my personal favourite too Yoda, but they're all beautiful shots

Tim92 · 24th Apr 2008, 15:56

Wow, very nice shots!

Wish we had stuff like that around here. I have to agree, number #5 takes the cake.

May I use #5 as a background?

TNash · 24th Apr 2008, 20:56

Wonderful, yoda. I love the first one.

supermonkey · 24th Apr 2008, 21:30

Some very nice photos there, yoda.

I prefer #5 to the others. The others, while nice silhouettes, lack something to give them a real punch. I can't really put my finger on it, but they almost feel too plain. Although, the inherent serenity in them helps enhance the calm feeling of sunset at the day's end.

I really like #5. In my opinion, the lack of contrast in the background helps the castle and bridge pop out of the image. The warm light is wonderful. Since the sky is a featureless, I would agree with Matt that you could stand to crop a bit off the top and make the image more panoramic.

I really wish we had geography and architecture like that around here.

-monkey

yodasarmpit · 24th Apr 2008, 21:50

I've put them through some PS work as I feel I'm sometimes too conservative with post processing.

Opinions anyone?

#1a

#3a

#5a
removed

zabe · 24th Apr 2008, 21:56

1a. still definitely my favourite choice. Looks really nice with those pink-red-purple colors, but maybe increasing the yellow tint from the beginning might also look cool (just a thought). I prefer 5a as it was before, without so much contrast. 3a is miiiiiiles better than the before. nice work!!

OleJ · 24th Apr 2008, 22:04

1st #1 for POTM and 1st #5 are tops.
The PS adjustments you've made don't fall in my tastes. The "original" ones are definitely the best. The pink tint you enhanced on #1 might be better if not as candid. I think generally you've slightly overdone the adjustments but the ideas behind are good.

I wish I had such beautiful nature close by

Vers · 24th Apr 2008, 23:35

Brett, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty to do a bit of messin' with #5...heres what I came up with in the matter of 5-10 min. Obviously if I had the original file I could make more in depth tweaks but...

Original

PP

I'll have you know PP is not my strong suit (let alone landscapes), I'd much rather be out taking the photos rather than sitting behind my monitor editing them. BTW I didn't touch the sky nor did I use NR, so the image may look a bit pixelated.

Again...I usually don't touch other peoples work so I hope I did not offend. My apologies if so.

-Matt

yodasarmpit · 24th Apr 2008, 23:44

Not bad, however it's a little over saturated, toning that down does the trick though.

Vers · 25th Apr 2008, 02:57

eh, I guess its personal taste, I should have toned down the hill top and the foliage on the left hand side a bit possibly even the bridge but the castle, island and evergreens look fairly good IMO...then again its your image

Looking forward to your final.

Cheap Mod Wannabe · 25th Apr 2008, 13:22

How did you manage to get screens of aplha version of next Elder Scrolls?!!

I love the shots mate..

TNash · 25th Apr 2008, 21:30

I'm not sure I like the purple tones, Yoda. I think the originals are better.

yodasarmpit · 25th Apr 2008, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by OleJ

I wish I had such beautiful nature close by

It was an eight and a half hour round trip, so I'm sure you have something just as close

24th Apr 2008, 04:28	#2
Vers Protograffer...but not really. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Orange County, NY Posts: 1,318	#1 Hands down (maybe kill the light spots on the structure -> full silhouette). #5 seems like it could be a great shot but the lack of contrast, specifically in the hillside, takes away from it...possibly a bit of PP could bring it up, maybe a tighter crop as well (more pano-like). Other than that it has a lot of potential...nice lighting and reflection. Hope that doesn't come off to nit-picky, no harm intended. -Matt __________________ 1DIII, 5D+BG-E4, 40Dx2, Tamron 17-50, Canon EF-S 17-85, 16-35L, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 100-400L IS, 35L, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, Sigma 150 Macro, 580EXIIx2, Giottos MT 9360+MH1001 Ballhead & MH658 QR system, Custom Brackets CB Jr. Flash Bracket flickr

24th Apr 2008, 10:52	#4
Cthippo Can't mod my way out of a paper bag Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 4,472	I think #5 is by far the best of the bunch. I so can't wait to get over there and get my own shots! __________________ Notice: If we see you flaming we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate measures - The Bit-Tech Fire Brigade.

24th Apr 2008, 12:57	#6
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	I'm really quite a fan of #5. I like #1, but like Matt I see a whole lot of potential in #5. The contrast and slight UV haze is fixable and I think you have the building blocks for a beautiful image underneath. Unlike Matt, I'm not sure I'd go for a full blackening of the castle in #1. The light isn't really distracting, in fact it provides a focal point within the focal point that I enjoy. It could have been distracting if it were the wrong color or something, but it's actually an asset to the image as far as I'm concerned. __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

24th Apr 2008, 20:56	#10
TNash Supermodder Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Posts: 259	Wonderful, yoda. I love the first one. __________________ Project: Kenwood HTPC http://www.tnash.com

24th Apr 2008, 21:30	#11
supermonkey Space Monkey Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 2,710	Some very nice photos there, yoda. I prefer #5 to the others. The others, while nice silhouettes, lack something to give them a real punch. I can't really put my finger on it, but they almost feel too plain. Although, the inherent serenity in them helps enhance the calm feeling of sunset at the day's end. I really like #5. In my opinion, the lack of contrast in the background helps the castle and bridge pop out of the image. The warm light is wonderful. Since the sky is a featureless, I would agree with Matt that you could stand to crop a bit off the top and make the image more panoramic. I really wish we had geography and architecture like that around here. -monkey __________________ But of bliss and of glad life there is little to be said, before it ends; as works fair and wonderful, while still they endure for eyes to see, are their own record, and only when they are in peril or broken for ever do they pass into song. -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion

24th Apr 2008, 03:11	#1
yodasarmpit The other Brett. Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Lothian , Scotland Posts: 9,664	[04/08] Eilean Donan Castle #1 Eilean Donan Castle. [This one will be submitted as a POTM entry] #3 Loch Alsh. #5 Eilean Donan Castle. UPDATED Version __________________ The Rt. Hon. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - "Ping Pong is coming home" www.yodasarmpit.com clickr my flickr Last edited by yodasarmpit; 1st May 2008 at 18:12.

24th Apr 2008, 10:29	#3
yodasarmpit The other Brett. Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Lothian , Scotland Posts: 9,664	Cheers Matt, I know what you mean about #5. I have a number of shots at various exposures so may try and pull something off in PP. Still a bit tired after the drive up there and back. __________________ The Rt. Hon. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - "Ping Pong is coming home" www.yodasarmpit.com clickr my flickr

24th Apr 2008, 13:59	#7
zabe Perfect in my imperfection Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 195	Well, gotta say that my favorite is number 1, but as other said before, number 5 could look even better with a little bit of ps... and since you guys don't suck as much as I do in post-processing, i'm sure you can bring lots of improvement!!

24th Apr 2008, 15:56	#9
Tim92 Blah! Blah! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 127	Wow, very nice shots! Wish we had stuff like that around here. I have to agree, number #5 takes the cake. May I use #5 as a background?

24th Apr 2008, 21:50	#12
yodasarmpit The other Brett. Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Lothian , Scotland Posts: 9,664	I've put them through some PS work as I feel I'm sometimes too conservative with post processing. Opinions anyone? #1a #3a #5a removed __________________ The Rt. Hon. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - "Ping Pong is coming home" www.yodasarmpit.com clickr my flickr Last edited by yodasarmpit; 24th Apr 2008 at 23:57. Reason: #5a removed, changed m y mind, no longer like it :)

24th Apr 2008, 21:56	#13
zabe Perfect in my imperfection Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 195	1a. still definitely my favourite choice. Looks really nice with those pink-red-purple colors, but maybe increasing the yellow tint from the beginning might also look cool (just a thought). I prefer 5a as it was before, without so much contrast. 3a is miiiiiiles better than the before. nice work!!

24th Apr 2008, 22:04	#14
OleJ Me! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 1,987	1st #1 for POTM and 1st #5 are tops. The PS adjustments you've made don't fall in my tastes. The "original" ones are definitely the best. The pink tint you enhanced on #1 might be better if not as candid. I think generally you've slightly overdone the adjustments but the ideas behind are good. I wish I had such beautiful nature close by __________________ Quickr! Clickr to my Flickr! Canon camera stuff. Some aluminium PC, an HTPC and a MBP 17"..

24th Apr 2008, 23:35	#15
Vers Protograffer...but not really. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Orange County, NY Posts: 1,318	Brett, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty to do a bit of messin' with #5...heres what I came up with in the matter of 5-10 min. Obviously if I had the original file I could make more in depth tweaks but... Original PP I'll have you know PP is not my strong suit (let alone landscapes), I'd much rather be out taking the photos rather than sitting behind my monitor editing them. BTW I didn't touch the sky nor did I use NR, so the image may look a bit pixelated. Again...I usually don't touch other peoples work so I hope I did not offend. My apologies if so. -Matt __________________ 1DIII, 5D+BG-E4, 40Dx2, Tamron 17-50, Canon EF-S 17-85, 16-35L, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 100-400L IS, 35L, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, Sigma 150 Macro, 580EXIIx2, Giottos MT 9360+MH1001 Ballhead & MH658 QR system, Custom Brackets CB Jr. Flash Bracket flickr

24th Apr 2008, 23:44	#16
yodasarmpit The other Brett. Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Lothian , Scotland Posts: 9,664	Not bad, however it's a little over saturated, toning that down does the trick though. __________________ The Rt. Hon. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - "Ping Pong is coming home" www.yodasarmpit.com clickr my flickr

25th Apr 2008, 02:57	#17
Vers Protograffer...but not really. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Orange County, NY Posts: 1,318	eh, I guess its personal taste, I should have toned down the hill top and the foliage on the left hand side a bit possibly even the bridge but the castle, island and evergreens look fairly good IMO...then again its your image Looking forward to your final. __________________ 1DIII, 5D+BG-E4, 40Dx2, Tamron 17-50, Canon EF-S 17-85, 16-35L, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 100-400L IS, 35L, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, Sigma 150 Macro, 580EXIIx2, Giottos MT 9360+MH1001 Ballhead & MH658 QR system, Custom Brackets CB Jr. Flash Bracket flickr

25th Apr 2008, 13:22	#18
Cheap Mod Wannabe Ultramodder Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Glen Cove, NY Posts: 1,215	How did you manage to get screens of aplha version of next Elder Scrolls?!! I love the shots mate..

25th Apr 2008, 21:30	#19
TNash Supermodder Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Posts: 259	I'm not sure I like the purple tones, Yoda. I think the originals are better. __________________ Project: Kenwood HTPC http://www.tnash.com