Inspiring Photo: Showing off #13436410

Showing off

Uploaded: October 16, 2012

Description

On a recent visit to DC with our photo club, I was struck by the contrast that was exhibited between the designs at the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Memorial.

The very ornate corner pillar on the Lincoln steps from this angle, seemed to overpower the simplicity of the elegant Washington Monument that was reflected in the pool that was almost refilled after it's refurbishing.

Shutter Speed: 1/500.00 F-stop: f/7.1
Focal Length: 30.00

Exif: F Number: 7.1, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/500 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 30.00 mm, Model: SLT-A77V

Comments

Michael Kelly October 17, 2012

Dale I love your POV and comp on this. It really shows off the contrast in the design elements which is what you were after.

I don't understand the color here. It looks like the sky is to warm and everything else is to cool. I don't know if you can do this in PSE but I selectively changed the two areas in CS ACR to illustrate what I mean. Even if you can't do it in RAW you may know a trick to do it in PS. #1492880

Debbra Bailey October 17, 2012

Interesting image Dale - I love how straight it is! :) It looks almost 3D the way the piece in front is so sharp! I didn't notice anything wrong with the color, but I ike Michael's edits too...

Did you replace the sky? I don't remember it EVER looking this awesome when we were there! And there are not any clouds in the reflection... is that just bec. it is ripply? #10373673

JudyAnn Rector October 17, 2012

Very nicely done, Dale... depth is fantastic. #10373691

Michelle Alton October 17, 2012

A wonderful capture of this spot with all the visitors! You had a great POV. #10373717

Dale Hardin October 17, 2012

Thanks Mike. Not sure what you mean about the two temperatures. I put your fix side by side and it is warmer, which I like, but that's it. The image I posted is as shot and is closer to the true color from that particular time of day.

Deb, I didn't change the sky. This was shot while you guys were at the zoo. And there are clouds in the reflection, they are just a bit "wrinkled" because of a breeze.

JudyAnn and Michelle, thank you so much for the very nice comments. #10373739

Michael Kelly October 17, 2012

Dale I selected the sky and made the WB cooler which made the sky less cyan and more a natural blue. Then I selected all the except the sky and made it warmer. If you were to do either step to the whole shot it would be even further off on the color. I can clearly see the difference on my monitor in both areas. #10373772

Dale Hardin October 17, 2012

I could see the difference too Mike, as I mentioned above. I had assumed the sky was simply darker because of the warming up of the image that you had done. Those changes are also easily done in PSE.

I like your edit, but it is not what it looked like at the time so that I why I hadn't bothered to change it. Either version is good for me. #10373801

Michael Kelly October 17, 2012

Well you know how I am on color - just like you are on straight images. I would not have made the suggestion if I thought the original post looked natural. If you like the sky I would then only make the adjustment selectivly on the rest of the photo to warm it up as it is definitly to cool. This, as most of my suggestion posts, is a very quick and less than careful effort just designed as an example. More care should be taken in seletion and certainly you can go more or less in the actual adjustment. I do think that it is off on the WB and should be adjusted. #10373819

Brandi K. Mills October 17, 2012

Very neat shot! Good idea including both structures for contrast. Makes me want to go visit! Some day...
I think you should go with the color that you like and remember it to be. I think your original shot is great! #10374107

Dale Hardin October 17, 2012

Thanks Mike, I see your point completely. On my monitor the original does not have a WB issue , so that could be the reason for some of our different opinions on the shot. As I said, I also like the warmer version.

Thanks Brandi. It's a great place to visit at least once. #10374155

Jeff E Jensen October 17, 2012

Very interesting perspective, Dale! I'm jealous of that sky. #10374240

Dale Hardin October 17, 2012

Thanks a lot Jeff. #10374245

Jeff E Jensen October 17, 2012

Funny, I don't think I even noticed these pillars. #10374250

Stephen Shoff October 17, 2012

I didn't notice the pillars either. You did a great job of finding these.

I think Mikes suggestion makes a world of difference although the non-sky adjustment may be just a bit too warm. #10374270

Dale Hardin October 17, 2012

See, missing the zoo that day was a good thing. :o) Between you and me guys, (don't tell Mike) I like it a bit warmer too. :o) #10374332

Aimee C. Eisaman October 18, 2012

Well I've never seen this perspective on the Washington Monument. Great job at thinking out of the box Dale! :~) Def. something only a photographer would be able to see. I prefer Mikes suggested version, but you have to go with what you saw. #10374771

Debbie E. Payne October 18, 2012

Great POV on this one, Dale. I was so bummed when there was no water in the reflecting pool in May. That means I must go back! I like your original but am a bt more comfortable with Michael's version. I agree, though, that you need to go with what you like. #10375499

Dale Hardin October 18, 2012

thanks Debbie. I like his warm version also, but don't want him to know. Ssssh. :o) #10375544

Rita K. Connell October 19, 2012

Really like your POV and comp on this its very interesting. I like mike edit best out of the two. warmer tones. but for me I find the top of the pillar statue blue tones a little odd. was it really that much different of color than the rest or is it the lighting or a filter that was added. noone else has mention it so...it could be my own personal taste. #10376385

lisa anderson October 19, 2012

Congrats on you EP, Dale :) I also think this photo looks 3D, very cool.
The discussion about the tones was evry helpful for me to read, as I never notice that stuff but hope to more in the future. #10377103

Dale Hardin October 19, 2012

Rita and Lisa, thanks a lot. #10377139

Susan M. Reynolds October 20, 2012

Nice comparison and POV of the two monuments...I've never seen the one in front in photos, but I've seen many of the Washington monument so it was nice to show it this way. It is a pretty sky...I like the original too ~ #10378100

Rita K. Connell October 22, 2012

dale you never answer my question about the coloring on the top of the statue #10379432

Dale Hardin October 24, 2012

Thanks you Susan,

Rita,sorry did not address that. Have been away. Frankly, I simply did not notice it when I took the shot. Probably due do a reflection of some kind. If I get some time I'll correct it. #10382650

Beth Spencer October 25, 2012

Congratulations on your EP!! For those of you who were at the zoo, I was there when Dale took this picture! Whenever I get my desktop back up I will eventually get some more of these up.
Dale, I really like your POV it is very unique!!! Great shot! #10383370

Dale Hardin October 25, 2012

Thanks Beth, and thanks for a great day. We had a good time on that hike didn't we? #10383628

Dianne Brin October 30, 2012

Very nice shot. Makes me homesick. Used to live near enough, that we could visit DC often. I agree with Jeff, I don't think I noticed those pillars either! Great observation. #10396556

Dale Hardin October 31, 2012

Thanks Dianne. Loved perusing your gallery and it's obvious you probably don't live in that area now. Enjoyed seeing the old bank building at Rhyolite in Death Valley again. I'm assuming from the images you probably are now out west somewhere. #10397251

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