Category: Sunset

Pinnacle Point Sunset

Posted on by Nick Roberts
Pinnacle Point Sunset
Pinnacle Point Sunset

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After my post last week about HDR processing I decided to follow up by processing an image from multiple exposures. In this case I shot four frames at +1.3, +.3, 0, and -3 ev then merged them in NIK HDR Efex Pro 2. I was watching the histogram while shooting which is how I came to use these settings. The histogram was fine on the dark end but was still blown out at the upper end until I underexposed it by 3 stops. That frame was the one that made the image work.

After merging and tone mapping the merged image I returned it to Aperture 3 where I cropped it slightly, added some sharpening and enhanced the definition and vibrancy. I also tried creating an image as vibrant as this using only the 0 ev frame but it was way too dark and noisy. From this experiment I have to admit that it is definitely better to use multiple images when the exposure range is as wide as this sunset was. Without the multiple exposures the lake and mountains in the center of the image would still be too dark and lacking in detail.

I am also including the four frames I used to create the HDR image below so you can see what I was working with to create the final image.

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Waterfront Park Afternoon

Posted on by Nick Roberts
Waterfront Park Afternoon
Waterfront Park Afternoon

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This image was processed in Aperture 3 as a RAW file before being taken into NIK HDR Efex 2 where I used the Structure 1 preset where I then boosted exposure, shadows, highlights, contrast and structure. I then returned the image to Aperture 3 where I boosted definition, contrast and vibrancy followed by sharpening.

Let There Be Light

Posted on by Nick Roberts
Let There Be Light
Let There Be Light

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This is another image processed in Aperture 3 and NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 from a single frame. The contrast between the artificial lights and the sunset really made for a compelling composition.

November to Remember

Posted on by Nick Roberts
November to Remember
November to Remember

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This photo was taken last week just after sunset. I was on the ramp that leads up to the Big Four Bridge to capture the dramatic colors of the sunset just as the accent lights were turned on. I liked the contrast of the organic elements in the sky with the geometric patterns cast by the ramp lighting. I processed the image from a single frame  using NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 and Aperture 3.

 

 

Winter Is Coming

Posted on by Nick Roberts
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Louisville Skyline at Sunset

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With the unseasonably warm weather we have been seeing here in Louisville the past two weeks we have been treated to some incredible sunsets. This image was captured last Thursday evening just after sunset. I used a single frame processed in Aperture 3 and NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 create this photo. I chose a panoramic crop to emphasize the linearity of the clouds and the bridge on the right side.