High Above

Uploaded: March 05, 2010 05:58:14

Description

A rework of an earlier image from my trip to St. Petersburg. The massive and beautiful dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral.
07/10 Finalist - Theme (Circle)

Exif: F Number: 4.5, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/20 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 17.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi

Comments

Nikki McDonald level-classic March 05, 2010

Such lovely light, color and detail, Chris. The off center composition is very nice, too. #1245455

Chris Budny level-deluxe March 07, 2010

Thanks, Nikki! I wanted more of the surrounding architecture, so this has a lot less cropped off than the first version. And I was eager to try a new RAW conversion with some of the PS tools I'd never understood or known about, until reading about them this past week. #8437547

Gail Vitikacs level-classic March 10, 2010

Gorgeous....this is awesome! #8445425

Chris Budny level-deluxe March 13, 2010

Thanks so much, Gail! #8453789

Bunny Snow March 31, 2010

Magnificent capture.
Sometimes moving in close works better than wide angle captures. In close, details are abound. This is a case in point.

My best images of St. Petersburg were done in Raw. If I'm able to travel again, I'll definitely take my SD/CFC's and work only in Raw. The quality is there; not in jpgs. #8501151

Chris Budny level-deluxe April 01, 2010

Thanks, Bunny! I was a little surprised I got this shot (the cathedral is pretty dim, compared to outdoor light, and I was going hand-held, since tripods were prohibited.)
I always shoot RAW (ever since my first BP class, shortly after getting my first Canon a few years back. I enjoy (so far!) playing around with the RAW conversion process, and love the "safety net" RAW provides, with exposure of highlights and shadows, that JPG sometimes loses. #8502334

Nikki McDonald level-classic April 10, 2010

Well whatever you did in the conversion certainly got my attention, Chris. This is a beautifully composed and detailed shot and I've finally settled on it as my favorite from among your March entries -- but there were many contenders. Among them are Snow Stream -- maybe just because winter is behind us now :); Portal Doors -- love the off center composition and the contrast of the curves and the linear; Railing Detail -- my runner-up from your new entries as I love the complementary colors and the composition suits my taste; Palmetto and Pink -- this has a one dimensional look that is very appealing, I think, and the colors are great; and of course Whiteout, O is for Oenology, and No Cell and you already know I like those. I really think you should pick up a finalist or two or three this month :) #8523671

Chris Budny level-deluxe April 10, 2010

Ah, Nikki---we need to get you a role as a BP judge! I love your prediction for me :) Thanks so much!
This rework involved a new crop (showing more of the original capture) and a new RAW conversion as well, using the "masking" adjustments brush to selectively adjust exposure during conversion, primarily in the shadowy arches at the four corners. (I'd recently learned about that tool within the PS RAW converter, and was eager to try it out!) #8523688

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 13, 2010

Can I take credit for this LOL?? Very satisfying and gratifying it is! Congratulations on the finalist and good luck in the next round, Chris. #8825594

Claudine Grove level-classic August 13, 2010

Congrats!! Beautiful color and design #8828806

Sam Britt August 13, 2010

Congratulations on this terrific finalist, Chris! #8829060

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 14, 2010

Nikki, you certainly picked it, awhile back---glad it finally made it! :) Thank you, and Claudine & Sam! #8830167

Ellen Hodges August 14, 2010

Congrats and best luck on an awesome finalist, chris!!! #8833734

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 14, 2010

Thank you Ellen! #8834005

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 14, 2010

Congratulations on your finalist Chris. This is incredible! #8834696

Patti Coblentz August 15, 2010

Congratulations on this incredible finalist, Chris...the colors and details are fantastic...love the asymmetry! #8834867

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 15, 2010

Thank you both! #8835249

Ken Smith level-classic August 15, 2010

You had a great month, Chris..congrats to you!! #8835577

Susan Jane Allen level-classic August 15, 2010

Wow.... #8836533

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 15, 2010

Thanks, Ken & Susan! #8837128

Datha Y. Thompson August 15, 2010

Gorgeous!! Congratulations Again Chris!! ;) WTG #8837837

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 16, 2010

Thanks, Datha! #8838315

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