Linn Cove Viaduct, BRP

Prior

This is my first picture post on DGrin... Took these a week or so ago at the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Working on learning a D2X that I recently recieved as a gift from an Uncle, and this is my first foray into a DSLR- lots left to learn.

What do you guys think?

karlabbott

First off, you have a lot of sky with very little detail (ie., clouds) in these images. I understand how frustrating that can be as I recently was out in Western NC and there were no clouds all weekend. Most people love sunny days, but they are not the best for photographers.

I like the looking down perspective that you have in the first image, though I wish we could see more of that famous curve. Without the curve being more prominent, the image is a bit flat. Getting up a little bit higher and pointing down at the scene even more would have probably given us more of the curve.

It also looks like you took this at mid-day. I say that because the lighting is flat throughout the image. I would suggest trying this just after sunrise or just before sunset and see if you don't get more interesting light.

In the second image, because you have a blue sky with no clouds, you should consider completely cropping out the sky. That and moving the position of your camera just a bit so that the curve is more visible would have helped greatly.

That said, welcome to Dgrin! I look forward to seeing more from you because I believe these images show a lot of promise! Just keep practicing and keep coming here for critique and you'll keep getting better! This is an excellent spot on the web for photographers and we're glad to have you here.

hawkeye978

Welcome to DGrin!

The second pictures has lots of beautiful colors in the foliage but the contrast is a little flat. If you have access to software such as Photoshop, Elements, or similar post processing software you may want to try to perform a levels adjustment or better yet a curves adjustment to improve the overall contrast. That will help make the colors pop and bring even more interest to the picture.

Prior

Thanks for the comments, guys. I did shoot these in the afternoon and am definitely aware of the affects of the hot light. I shot these while passing through coming back from a trip further out west, so not a ton I could do about the timing. Thanks for the advice on cropping and general positioning; I do see what you are talking about.

Tom,
I am going to be purchasing Lightroom sometime in the upcoming months. I've primarily been focusing on learning the camera and forcing myself to shoot everything manually to better understand what impact different setting changes have on the photograph. Once I've gotten a good footing on that, I'll start playing a little more with software. I'd rather get the photo close by itself and then do some minor tweaks rather than take bad pictures and let the computer make up for it.

The D2X an older DSLR, but still a great camera and great bit of gear that came with it (18-200 f3.5-5.6 DX, SB-800 flash and a few filters). I'd like to add a few more filters to my stash (currently have a linear polarizer, UV and 'digital vision' filter, which I am not sure what it is), as well as a wider, faster lens.
I live in a great part of the country for photography, so there will be more to come. Too bad the day job gets in the way too often!
Alex

jackiejay

I cant give any C&C Ilike the pics the 1st one I really like its pretty you did a great job thanks for sharing:)

Sexy6Chick

Oh how I miss the BRP, specially at this time of year. I like #1 the most.

MJRPHOTO

Welcome to the forum Alex. Hope you like the photo from last night. I need to get down there and ride with you again.

Prior

Mike,
The pic worked great. Thank you. Come down whenever you'd like! Got some great roads I can show you and we can shoot some great photos as well!
Alex