Vintage 2012by
SheryllComment by bohemka: Nice idea and really nice composition, but this seems to have some exposure and contrast issues that don't really add to the photo in my opinion. I think some local contrast in the grass and stakes/vines in the foreground would add a sense of depth here, which is already apparent but could really be used to much better advantage, and should, as it's a great aspect of this photo.
That said, the sky actually looks over-contrasty and over-processed, and not to very good effect. (The hills look great, though).
If I were to take a stab at editing this (WARNING: I over-edit and ruin everything) I'd start with some recovery adjustments in RAW, trying to recover some of the blown highlights in the clouds. Maybe a shadows/highlights adjustment in whatever else you use, and definitely a levels adjustment to bring up the blacks and mids and get a wider tonal range in the image.
Then curves and/or sharpen mask tricks to boost local contrast to get a bit of pop. Maybe a bit of burn on the burnt-out grass to add texture.
Composition-wise I really like it, though it looks like there's a really nice white fence off to the right that could have been included more to provide a nice leading line and provide a bit of a natural frame to the photo.
All the ingredients are here for an awesome image, and with a few tweaks it would be on another level.
I hope you don't mind the critique and me rambling on. I pointed out the technical things I'd work on personally as it's a landscape, which to be honest aren't typically loaded with emotion or personal attachment, and therefore the technical delivery matters more. Not voting, just rambling.
Photographer found comment helpful.
