McDonald Sky Colors

[Kyle Jones]

This was taken on a rush coming back to the west side of Glacier from the Many Glaciers area after doing some hiking. A couple of bear jams along the way slowed me down so I didn't quite make it to the spot I'd wanted on McDonald Lake for sunset. At the same time, I kind of like the trees on the right even though they partially cover the mountains. The colors in the clouds were nice and I arrived just in time for them. I'm not convinced I've rendered them well - the colors don't quite look right to me but I haven't been able to come up with something I like better.

So here is a larger version than I usually post. Feel free to take a shot at it.

 

[Ben Egbert]

This is really nice Kyle. I had a hard time processing mine and especially getting some detail in those blue mountains. I like your sky and reflections, and also the rocks under the water. I would work on the shadow areas of the mountains.

 

[JimFox]

I think you have the colors looking pretty nice Kyle. I like the composition, I might have tried to avoid that closer hill on the right, but seeing this I think it adds to the shot and helps create a near/far effect. I will download this later and play with the colors and see if I can come up with anything different.

 

[AlanLichty]

Kind of a quick hack but I dialed back the blue saturation under Lightroom's HSL adjustments and then added a couple of tweaks:

 

[Ben Egbert]

Ok, here is my cut. I use Topaz for these effects. I used one from Adjust named exposure which is a sort of shadow highlight enhancer. Then I use one from Studio named Color contrast boost 3, and painted it just on the blue areas of the mountains.

Note, I posted this 4 hours ago, but did not hit create post, sorry.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Thanks guys. I made some minor tweaks based on you suggestions including dropping the blue saturation, adding some definition in the shadows of the mountains, and adding some texture to the rocks in the foreground. Pending any jaw dropping ideas, I'll call it good.

And Jim, that hill is what my being in a rush left me with. I've decided to like it as I have little choice.

 

[AlanLichty]

I like the result - it's a neat shot.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I also like the result and it is a nice shot. I also like the side hill.

 

[Anatoly]

Well,
Kyle, no matter how you tweak the color, it' s a great photo!
Respect!