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Winter Sunset
2nd PlaceWinter Sunset
Bear_Music


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Sky (Expert Editing)
Collection: Challenges
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Location: Harwich Port, MA, USA
Date: Dec 11, 2006
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/2/4/8/15
Galleries: Landscape, High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Date Uploaded: Dec 11, 2006

This is a true HDRI from 4 RAW exposures, tone mapped in Photomatix Pro, exported to PM7

Almost no PP on the tone mapped image; a hint of levels, some dodging and burning lower left, dust cloning, plus the gulls.

Multiply layer created, gull selections hand-drawn in PS on this layer, painted with black brush at opacity 70% to create gull silhouettes.

Resize, USM, border, save for web.

*********

I like this for the extraordinary reflection, and how the sky lives on two levels here. I am inlined to believe I'll be scored down for having "painted" the sky into the water, but it's actually there in the original capture, it hasn't been manipulated at all beyond the tone mapping.

This is also an example of tone mapping that isn't glaringly obvious to the naked eye, and that pleases me :-)

I hope I don't get dinged for this being very similar to my previous blue ribbon (same location exactly) but the sky was so extraordinary and I had very little time to go elsewhere (this location is only minutes from my house), so what we see is what we get :-)

******

Wow, thanks for all the lovely comments and a new personal best score for me. Merry Xmas to all!

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 123
Avg (all users): 7.7074
Avg (commenters): 9.2941
Avg (participants): 7.4265
Avg (non-participants): 7.8020
Views since voting: 22266
Views during voting: 613
Votes: 270
Comments: 110
Favorites: 92 (view)


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AuthorThread
08/18/2014 01:37:06 PM
Cool image, Bear! I've not seen this before... It was "before my time".

It's very well done and I love the reflection.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
10/23/2012 03:14:05 PM
I just noticed this picture of yours. Truly astounding!
The 3-dimensionality of it is simply amazing.
Well done!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
03/17/2011 06:07:54 PM
Wow! Your image is amazing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/07/2010 04:17:58 PM
buty!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/19/2009 06:43:38 AM
Congratz on this winning image. I really love it. I love that bleak,barren, wintry wildness of the open country that this possesses in abundance. I looked at your portfolio and i really love your HDR work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/09/2008 07:56:36 PM
Commenting on this fantastic image and scratching my head in wonder as to why i only gave it an 8.
wonderfull and a well deserver pb and ribbon.

Kev
  Photographer found comment helpful.
11/27/2007 12:57:21 AM
Very nice!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/03/2007 11:13:12 AM
Awesome
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/02/2007 02:25:31 AM
Really Cool shot Bear..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/31/2006 01:30:31 PM
Damn nice work on those bird Bear :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/27/2006 04:50:04 AM
yes Robert, I see what you mean now. This is so good it must have stolen your interest from that other "outtake" shot. This photo seems to flow out towards you! must be those darn clouds again - great work. Those flying birds also adds life to the composition.

EDIT: I have just only noticed that you bagged a red ribbon with this photo (slaps self for not noticing earlier). Guess you don't really needed my comment to tell you how good this shot is! Congrats :)

crayon

Message edited by author 2006-12-27 21:03:24.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/26/2006 10:03:29 AM
Stunning shot and congratulations on your ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/26/2006 08:00:20 AM
Beautiful shot and breath taking colors. Congrats on another ribbon. What a nice Christmas present.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/24/2006 01:34:13 PM
Just awesome work! Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/24/2006 04:19:46 AM
Congratulations! This is such a stunningly, beautiful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/24/2006 03:52:32 AM
Not sure if i'm stoked about the HDR (mostly the lighter tones in the cattails looks a bit off to me)...but nonetheless great landscape. You know how to catch em perfectly. I like it a lot. Wish I could get somethin like this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/23/2006 09:36:43 PM
Great color Bear, nice job, congrats

Message edited by author 2006-12-23 21:37:06.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 11:29:31 PM
Originally posted by slickchik:

I am jealous that this is only minutes away from your house. For me to get something like this I have to drive at least 45-60 minutes.


More like 5 minutes; less if there's no traffic, like at dawn... I am lucky :-)
12/22/2006 09:17:30 PM
I gave this a 10. I really love this shot. Dramatic sky and wonderful reflection. I never even thought you had painted in the reflection...it looked natural to me. I am jealous that this is only minutes away from your house. For me to get something like this I have to drive at least 45-60 minutes. You have inspired me to do HDR and tonemapping. Thanks for your help on PP.

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 21:18:20.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 05:19:27 PM
Yet another ribbon for another amazing photograph. I bow to your talent and expertise! WOW!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:33:28 PM
Excellent example of the art MrBear congratulatous on the PB score, the ribbon you can put in a box with the others
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:12:41 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved ribbon. Great image to keep on looking at... And it's really great that its adjustments/manipulation have been to a minimum.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:38:42 PM
Congrats on your ribbon. This is a beautiful photo. :) ~Magen
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:12:31 PM
Congrats on your red :o) Now you have all the colors on your front page, well done... This was one of my 10´s in this challenge, absolutely love this picture.... Happy holidays :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 11:21:57 AM
I had to get my coat on after looking at this beautiful winter New England shot:~) Thanks for bringing back good memories.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 10:24:33 AM
Excellent shot. The birds really make it for me - brings action into an otherwise perfectly still capture. Well done R. Must be that new computer!! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:36:20 AM
I am happy to see this on the front page.
Congratulations! :)

I was one of your 10s too. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:12:49 AM
Beautiful, congratulations of winning the red ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 09:01:17 AM
Tasteful use of HDR to create this Beautiful image! Expertly done, congratulations on the well deserved Ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 08:48:57 AM
Congrats on the ribbon! This is such an awesome shot! I'm one of your many tens. I had this picked for the blue!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 08:23:44 AM
Fantastic shot. And congrats on collecting the complete set of ribbons.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 07:40:39 AM
Bear!! Congratulations!! 7.7!!! I'm so not surprised. I was one of your 44 Tens!! Wow! This will be a WONDERFUL picture to have at the top of your profile for a long long time, won't it!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 06:49:16 AM
Nice work. You did get a 9 from me and I stand by it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 05:11:41 AM
Congratulations!! Beautiful beautiful beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 04:14:13 AM
A great shot, and well deserving of a high place.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 03:49:30 AM
Didn´t vote in this challenge as usual when I enter but if I had, I would have instantly recognized this as your work Robert, I REALLY like this and glad it ribboned, congrats on that and your new personal best score, added this to my faves and would have given it a 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:55:35 AM
Congrats! This is stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:48:19 AM
Pretty Pretty Pretty! congrats on the well deserved ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:42:55 AM
I recognised the location but it didn't matter a whit. This is, simply, a beautiful shot, well-deserving of its placing :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:29:20 AM
Wooooooooonderful. Incredible shot, Bear.
Goes to my faves.

Álex.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:20:20 AM
Well- - I gave this a 10, but had I known it was yours... ;-P
Congrats bear! Probably couldn't ask for a better finish since this gives you one of each! Also, this challenge had your name written all over it. Beautiful image, expertly processed, well-deserved ribbon for a highly deserving, accomplished professional. Merry Christmas, Robert!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:18:42 AM
Hey, I know this location! Great shot, great processing, congrats on the score and the ribbon. But what I want to know is how you got a dynamic (birds) with four shots to be so clean!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:16:10 AM
Congrats Robert! The three gulls, and especially the one in the slice of orange gives this photo the dynamism of "sky", not merely the stunning colors. Lovely capture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 02:06:48 AM
This is an excellent shot Bear. Well done on your high score and the Red ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:56:48 AM
And what we got brought you a red ribbon :) beautiful image, congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:56:16 AM
Nice job Robert! Beautiful shot; congratulations on the ribbon. Looks good next to my tone-mapped shot on the Canon 10-22 page, but I'm mad at ya for kicking down my Bass Harbor Light a notch ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:41:43 AM
What a beautiful place to live, and you captured it in all its winter glory. Congrats.

Message edited by author 2006-12-22 14:07:00.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:07:22 AM
Great work Bear. Congrats on the red.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:02:43 AM
Wonder photograph and have to agree with you, the extraordinary reflection. Great job an a great example of HDRI. Man, you know how to take the picture and bring out the details. A well deserved ribbon with a score in the high 7's... Would of loved to have seen this hit an 8.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:02:14 AM
I see you have your DSLR back! And and new computer to use it with as well. Killer images to begin with, and PP is your own brand of digital delight. Big congrats on the red.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 01:00:39 AM
Fantastic image and excellent finish Rob, congrats...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:43:47 AM
Robert, how wonderful to score so high in your own mileu, and such a spectacular image. I am often offended by HDR, because it doesn't "look right", it's not what light "does", and your superclean pic feels very natural. The birds really make it for me, so close to the horizon. Congrats on the ribbon in such brilliant competition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:37:30 AM
This is definitely where it should be, among the winners. A most beautiful image, Robert. Congratulations on your red.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:36:04 AM
Extraordinary. Excellent work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:34:37 AM
It is wonderful to see HDR at it's finest. Great job Robert.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:31:23 AM
Congratulations, this really rocks, well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:18:16 AM
Well, there ya go, Robert! :) New personal best and a red as you requested!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:16:29 AM
WOO HOO - one of my 3 10's. Excellent work, Bear. Bravo and contrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:15:39 AM
this was and is the best image in this challenge. wonderful job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:14:32 AM
I tooooold you!!!!!!!! :D congrats ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:14:20 AM
So many people knew it was yours. Excellent work, and congratulations, Bear.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:12:58 AM
Beautiful, just beautiful. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:10:48 AM
Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:09:30 AM
Excellent job and congrats on the ribbonand sick score. Well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:09:07 AM
Congrats Bear! :) One of my top picks for the challenge... glad to see the voters agreed with me on this one! I have to agree with you that I like how this isn't a glaringly obvious tone mapping. Wonderfully done and a well deserved ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:08:25 AM
Way to go... very wonderful image and the HDR came out very "photo realistic".
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:07:11 AM
Man, those birds stood in mid-air just for you. Go figure. :P Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:05:36 AM
Congrats on the ribbon Bear!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:04:31 AM
Yes...yes...yes... You did it Robert, well done and so deserved with that image of yours as it is just awesome.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:04:13 AM
Congrats Bear!! Awesome image here and a well deserved ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:03:50 AM
Amazing shot... way to go... well deserving of a ribbon!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/22/2006 12:03:49 AM
Knew it! Rock on, Rob, dude! :) Sweet shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
12/21/2006 11:01:01 PM
Okay, I'm guessing this is Bear_Music. If not, great job emulating his style! :) 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 09:58:31 PM
came back to mark as favorite
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 09:49:33 PM
I'm thinking this is bear's picture! Awesome picture BTW! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 08:12:39 PM
Picture perfect in everyway, and I love this one so very very much.....
Is this one yours Robert.....A "10" from me mate.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 06:48:33 PM
The blanket feel of the sky is nicely captured in the waters reflection the birds in flight add a nice touch.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 01:37:43 PM
this one I love, great colour, composition 8 upped to 10 on 2nd and 3rd,4th etc look
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/21/2006 12:43:57 PM
wow... the lights in this one are great!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/20/2006 06:47:35 AM
...:|


Wow, really... just wow.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 10:30:35 PM
Astounding! Breath-Taking! :) 10!!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 06:39:38 PM
Beautiful lines, great composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/19/2006 09:45:35 AM
Excellent composition and color. The sky is amazing...it's always interesting how the reflection is always so much more dynamic than the real thing. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 02:09:50 PM
This is fabulous! Outstanding on so many levels: HDR, composition, focus, color! Beautiful art! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 02:37:23 AM
nice stuff..post this one up in living room I hope !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 01:34:27 AM
a definite 10 in my book, love the colors!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/18/2006 12:54:24 AM
BEAUTIFUL
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 08:08:05 PM
Wow just beautiful. Not sure how much editing was done, but it doesn't look like much, just a great shot, love the reflections and colors. Beautiful work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 01:01:56 PM
wonderful control of color managment. The amounts of blues are perfect for the amounts of orange giving to the sky and the reflection on the water the key for this photo. Nice, simple and a lot of knowledge about photography are shown here. Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 12:38:25 PM
This is a stunningly well done shot. I think this will be on the front page. Well done and nicely porcessed. Would make a wonderful print for an office.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/17/2006 01:16:26 AM
this is amazing, one of the few 10s i gave. this should ribbon. great job, i'd love to see the original of this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 08:59:28 PM
The color, reflections, and birds make this a "wow" shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 08:18:45 PM
Great stuff, marvelous perspective and reflections.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 08:14:11 PM
Beautifully executed in every way. A most dramatic sky if ever I've seen one. Very well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 05:32:52 PM
Robert-This is one of your best. I enjoy that it's more realistic than most. It has a peaceful, soothing winter feel and the three circling birds add that tender touch of warmth to it's cool, sweeping vastness. A great spot, I hope to see it in person one of these days. Cheers!

Message edited by author 2006-12-23 04:27:35.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 04:51:24 PM
Looks like you're on a roll, Bear.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 04:47:00 AM
this is stunning...so clear and crisp and perfect 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/16/2006 02:49:45 AM
Nice one Bear! The receding clouds really make delightfully pleasant leading lines of a sort. Very dramatic, lovely image!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 10:28:41 PM
Absolutely lovely! Rich colors, beautiful landscape & incredible texture in that sky. Love the bird silhouettes, too...

<< 10 >>
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 06:34:50 PM
Love the colour and presentation! Very nice photo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 02:00:05 PM
beautiful photo !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:20:37 PM
beautiful shot. the birds really make the picture imo...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:14:27 PM
Love the reflection of the sky, but there doesn't seem to be one for the birds...?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 11:28:50 AM
Excellent! Great capture and great use of HDR and other cool techniques to make this image jump
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 03:30:26 AM
Bear? Either way, this is the best of the challenge. Very nice work in using the rule set, yet still preserving the integrity of the image and photography. This has to be a ribbon winner.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 03:28:05 AM
10 .... Love it, goes straight into my favs... Superb image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:46:28 AM
Just amazing, looks similar to a HDR entry some time ago which had shrubbery in the foreground.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:29:50 AM
love it
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 01:03:48 AM
Beautiful colors. I loved the dash of warm light in mostly cold composition.9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/15/2006 12:43:23 AM
To me, this is the perfect scene all wrapped up like a present! Holy cow. The birds and the reeds/grass really put it over the top for me. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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