As I was editing some of the substantial backlog of my images (don’t ask how many), an idea came to mind. Often, during these editing sessions, I like to experiment with alternate looks to create for my images. It’s a way to check what mood comes through with a particular look.
So I thought it might be interesting to ask for feedback from all of you to find out how these alternatives resonate (or don’t) with your sensibilities. Here’s the first one in this series.
This images was taken a bit later in the morning of the A Very Early Sunrise in Maine post, as I had found a different location with a view of some of the Porcupine islands lined up and a sky that was rather pleasing.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise #1
The first treatment is the more sedate of the 2, as I made use of Aurora HDR’s ‘Rocks Sunset’ preset that is part of their Natural collection of presets. As I looked at this result, I felt that it didn’t really do the overall scene justice, as even a bit of brightening of the foreground didn’t produce a good sense of the beauty of the landscape on the mountain.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise #2
The second treatment is definitely more aggressive; it uses Aurora HDR’s ‘EggHDRugs on Brain’ preset that is part of their Trey Ratcliff Looks collection. It pops the foreground quite a bit and with a bit of darkening, the sky look came in as pretty dramatic.
Hope you enjoy these comparisons and I’m looking forward to hear from you about your preferences.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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25 thoughts on “Wednesday’s Choice”
I think the first one is more calming. The second one is too much of a jolt.
I actually like both, however…the second one is my overall favorite as it showcases so much more detail in a painting-like fashion. They eye lingers much longer over the entire image, rather than just the sunrise.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
I think the first one is more calming. The second one is too much of a jolt.
It definitely is a jolt, I agree. I feel that I have to print both and see how they will look to me in that form. Thank you for your feedback!
Hey, mercy ,from all media I red in this first jours of this monthn I belive is nice this Fragment of a lanscape description
Thank you
I much prefer the first one Frank 🙂
Definitely a good choice, Brian!
Wow they’re both beautiful but I think I like the color pops in the second one!
Thank you. I think that is my preference as well.
I actually like both, however…the second one is my overall favorite as it showcases so much more detail in a painting-like fashion. They eye lingers much longer over the entire image, rather than just the sunrise.
Awesome choice and consideration.
It’s an awesome photograph!
Thank you kindly
You’re most welcome!
Tough choice, as each highlighted a different half. I’m going with the first, as I can’t live with the mood/detail that it loses in the second.
Great choice and feedback. Thank you!
For some reason I lean towards the first one. Both beautiful!
Thank you very much for your thoughts!
I think I prefer the first one, it looks more natural and less harsh.
Thank you, Diana. I appreciate your thoughts on this.
I like that tweak, but if I’d seen that without the original I would have been wondering about how many suns this planet has
Thank you! Countless suns bring warmth to our world.
I like the first, but I love the details that pop out in the second.
You point out my quandary really well 🙂 Thank you for those thoughts.
This is a tough one I think #2 looks over processed. I would have tried lightening even more along the tree line in #1.
Susan, great insight. #2 definitely has the processed look. I will print it this weekend to get a sense of how it looks on a linen paper.