This was not my best shot of 2009. I entered it because I wanted to see the difference in how voters judge this image compared to the abysmal results from an image from a previous challenge.
The post processing of this image was greatly influenced from what I learned after starting this thread in which I asked for honest critique on my second worst score here at DPC. Here's that shot which scored onlyl a 5.1:
I asked for and received honest feedback which was a little brutal at times. I responded with more questions and the thread ended up being very helpful for me. Others also mentioned that they were watching this thread and also learned a lot.
One of the most helpful tips came from nshapiro who suggested that I create a duplicate layer that was converted to black and white and apply it in multiply mode. WOW, what a difference in the sky! Others, like Bear_Music also submitted their renditions which gave me a lot of ideas about how else to edit them.
Here's the original of this entry:
I still pushed the editing on this image further than what I would like for prints. I still think that DPC expects a little too much saturation, contrast, pop, and processing in general and that is what I did for this entry.
Some of the post processing steps were the above described multiply layer, multiple exposures masked, overlay layer masked, numerous control points in Nikon Capture NX2 (I love this program!), messed around with luminance and chrominance in overlay mode in NX2, dodge and burn, noise reduction and sharpening.
Some people don't seem to understand just what is going on here. I am standing on the bow of a boat that is anchored from the stern, so the wake in the water is from the kiteboarder (Tommy) and not from the boat. I am using a Tokina 12-24 for that wide angle feeling of being there and to have a deep DOF. I instructed Tommy to travel directly toward me and to jump within 6 feet of me. The wind at my back immediately sends him flying away from me so that I don't get hit (I've had some really close calls) and I take shot after shot trying to keep the kite within the top of the frame. He can easily launch himself more than twice as high as this but once the horizon is out of the picture you have no reference to judge how high he is.
Statistics
Place: 95 out of 445 Avg (all users): 6.2292 Avg (commenters): 7.2000 Avg (participants): 6.1436 Avg (non-participants): 6.5172 Views since voting: 1344 Views during voting: 428 Votes: 253 Comments: 23 Favorites: 2 (view)
Your research into processing paid off with this shot. Good timing and composition for this in difficult circumstances, with everything except the house being in motion.
Hey, it's stiltsville again! Nice work on the colors in this rendition. There's a part of me that wants to think it's just a little over the top, but the dynamism of the action in the image calls for something a little in-your-face. I works for me!
That's a better one of the hut/house. Great lighting on the guy, the parasail gives a point of interest in the sky which then refers you to the rest of the sky. Great colours, I like it!
Super action shot!! This guy is really the acrobat. Can imagine how difficult it must have been to get him comp wise like this and then with the familiar stiltsville Ive seen being used as practice for some pp work. Magic sky. 8
I don't know if this is the person who had a picture of this stilt building before but if it is you've done a great job in making the same place very exciting! The range of colours in this photo are great
What a great action shot! Definately a different dynamic than the other Stiltsville shot. Action and fun as opposed to quiet solitude. Love the parasailer's expression as he hangs out in the sky. "Hey check me out!" it screams:-) Love the changing patterns & colors of the sky and the details in the ocean - including the cresting of the waves in the bottom left corner. I'll bet this makes/made a magazine spreed! Well done!
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