Entries tagged "Scotland"

A second revision of an old favourite, re-processed from the same digital negative.

With the first version, I processed the sky separately and combined the two parts using a layer mask, in doing so softening the ridge slightly.

This time round a better understanding of raw processing meant that I instead worked with exposure controls, HSL sliders, and graduated filters to bring out a more pleasing sky without needing layers. Along with better colours, contrast, and removal of unnecessary distractions, it really reinforces the benefit of returning to past work with new tools, skills and experience.

It should be clear that I don't see photography as being restricted to producing only pure photo-realistic images, but that doesn't mean completely doing away with realism either. Even with a traditional landscape, a romanticised memory can be worth more than the dreary "reality" of the moment captured by the camera's sensor.

This often brings up the question of how far to go, and at what point does too far instead turn into not far enough.

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Whether you know the name or not, there's a good chance you have seen Eileen Donan at some point - it is often described as the most romantic and most photographed castle in Scotland. The vast majority of pictures you see tend to be similar to this:

So, of course, when I visit it I am immediately looking for ways to be original; to take a picture that doesn't simply not look like the one above, but that goes completely against what people expect to see.