Snoqualmie Pass CC Please

leaforte

These are some of my favorite pictures taken last weekend from near my campsite at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. I tried to practice some techniques I learned here at Dgrin, but still don't think I was able to capture the real feel of the place, so any CC is greatly appreciated. I did learn a lot just 'doing it'; using a tripod and shutter release, using natural light, trying to compose the shot (learned in PP about brush in the foreground!). Practice, and more practice, I suppose is the best teacher.

All these were shot with a 20D and an EF-S 17-85 Lens in RAW. Obviously, I need help with my WB skills. So...off to read some Dgrin threads about WB...

#1 F/7.1 1/80th ISO200 70mm




#2 F/7.1 1/13th ISO200 41mm



#3 F/8.0 3/10th ISO100 20mm



#4 F/8.0 3/10ths ISO100 85mm




#5 F/8.0 3/10th ISO100 60mm



#6 F7.1 1/13th ISO200 83mm


And finally, on a personal note.

#7 My Campsite with a PS Infrared Effect



There are more shots in this gallery, with BW conversions if anyone wants to look and tell me what I am doing wrong (or right, for that matter), so I can improve my captures.

Thanks for in advance for any CC

philiphutson

leaforte wrote:

These are some of my favorite pictures taken last weekend from near my campsite at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. I tried to practice some techniques I learned here at Dgrin, but still don't think I was able to capture the real feel of the place, so any CC is greatly appreciated. I did learn a lot just 'doing it'; using a tripod and shutter release, using natural light, trying to compose the shot (learned in PP about brush in the foreground!). Practice, and more practice, I suppose is the best teacher.

All these were shot with a 20D and an EF-S 17-85 Lens in RAW. Obviously, I need help with my WB skills. So...off to read some Dgrin threads about WB...

#1 F/7.1 1/80th ISO200 70mm




#2 F/7.1 1/13th ISO200 41mm



#3 F/8.0 3/10th ISO100 20mm



#4 F/8.0 3/10ths ISO100 85mm




#5 F/8.0 3/10th ISO100 60mm



#6 F7.1 1/13th ISO200 83mm


And finally, on a personal note.

#7 My Campsite with a PS Infrared Effect



There are more shots in this gallery, with BW conversions if anyone wants to look and tell me what I am doing wrong (or right, for that matter), so I can improve my captures.

Thanks for in advance for any CC

Ok since you asked.

I'll start at the bottom. I like the composition ok but I would guess that it would be better in color to show the greens but than again I like green forests.
Of the others I like #5 and #6 and I was going to say that they're to bright but that might be because I'm on my laptop so I can't say that for sure.
On white balance since you're shooting raw wb is just a flag in the file. Just leave wb on auto when shooting in raw and use the wb temperature slider in adobe raw converter.
-Philip

leaforte

Phillip

Thanks for your response. I will see about darkening these all I guess. Traditionally, I always tend to shoot a bit underexposed, so I raised the exposure just a hair on this set. I suppose I've over compensated. (sigh). Thanks for helping me try and get these right.

chopsky

Honestly, I think your biggest weakness at the moment is composition.
When I set up for a photograph, I always say to myself, "How would Joe Bloggs take this photo?" and then I do something completely different. Like, if I think someone is gonna take a photo standing up, I'll do it lying down.
It's all about doing something unique.

No offense, but I reckon thousands of people have taken photos just like yours. What makes yours unique? That's the question.

I always try tell a story with my photos. A story for the eye to follow. Lead the person into the photograph somehow. Perhaps a long path starting from a corner of the photo, leading into the subject at another end of the photograph. Also, read up on the rule of Thirds. It'll help with your comps.

As for your B&W Infrared conversion, it needs a boost in contrast. It's very gray. Play with the levels, curves and contrast.
More like the attached:

emmalou

I like #4 You live in an area that is chalk full of photo ops!

greenpea

I like the pics, #2 & #4 are my favorites. You might consider using a circular polarizer if you find yourself shooting this scene again, it might help with some of the glare off of the rocks.

leaforte

Thanks for the comments. I have taken every tip too heart and will try them next time out. I know there is a way to bring home a piece of the magic I see while out there hiking!

Hikin' Mike

Good advise from Chopsky...