I made the above picture last Fall in Capitol Reef and had processed it to the point where I thought it looked pretty good – but was never totally happy with the glow off the water. I had figured it was because it was red-colored water from the red sandstone/mud of the area. But recently I revisited this image when putting a program together, and decided to try again. I had been using Nik’s Tonal Contrast filter in Color Efex Pro with good success on other images, so I thought it might help. WOW is all I can say – I was very pleased with the results. You can see the before picture below. Not bad, but now with the help of that filter, I have a bit more punch in the water – punch that I saw with my eyes but wasn’t pulling out of the image. Sure, I probably could have done more with this in Photoshop, but adjustment layers and such, but with just one step, I got really nice results.
This filter is one of those I’ll be showcasing in my Webinar for Nik on November 18th at 6 PM Pacific Time. It should be listed soon). For all you east-coasters reading this, here’s one you don’t have to sneak out of work to watch live! heh-heh. But we felt it would be a great time to do it so more people could watch it.
I’m looking forward to showing everyone examples of how I use some of their products, especially the new HEP (HDR Efex Pro) software. I use there products a lot in my daily image workflow. If you like what you see and want to save $$ on buying their products, use the code BTHARP for a 15% discount. Contact Nik customer support if you want to complete your collection if you’ve already purchased some programs.
Thanks, Bob! Yes, we must all remember that it’s first and foremost about getting the image right in-camera, eh?
Like the processing, sure, but mostly it’s a wonderful composition, and your exposure time was perfect for the flowing water. Well done Brenda.
Wow. The artistry and vision really come through with this. I really have to get back to Capitol Reef; it was my favorite park I think.
Dear ‘wickedarkphotography’ – wow, what a name!! Conjures up all sorts of visuals for me. Must be from Maine, using ‘wicked’ – it’s a common adjective there! 🙂
Yes, Capitol Reef is a special place, far from the overcrowded photo spots in Zion or Bryce – and having it’s own special icons and characteristics…Hoping to lead another photo adventure there in 2012 with my friend Charlie Borland again.
Hey Brenda, I just did my webinar for Nik yesterday and guess what I introduced the world to? Yup, Color Efex Tonal Contrast! So… the word is out! 🙂 I find that filter to be indispensable!
This is a great image Brenda. I sure wish I could have been standing right next to you.
Good luck with your webinar next month!
Well, I have to confess that your webinar is what inspired me to pass our knowledge on to the world, John!! I had been using it for a while now but you know me, slow to get the word out sometimes…I had just been processing a few pics for something and used tonal contrast, and then there you are touting it to all that heard your webinar. Like minds, eh? But it triggered me to use that as a blog post here cause it’s so wonderful. By the way, your webinar was great – people now need to go listen to it in the Nik archives (under the learn tab) when it gets posted…you gave great tips and workflow demonstration. And, I just love your voice – oh, and your pictures are great, too! 🙂
Hey Brenda, you stole my comment: WOW! So, first you get to take the picture, process it, post it and then comment on it? What the heck are we here for, you have it all figured out!
Seriously, great, great shot!
John
Sorry, John – but truly my WOW was in regard to the filter/plug-in – HONEST!! 🙂 Thanks for your feedback. It was just one of those great moments in Capitol Reef last year…and I feel so lucky to be there when it happens anywhere!