Had to try the distortion thingy

[chauncey]

I took one of my lake-sunset images and went off on it in PS...let not my tender sensitivities
deter you from offering brutal C&C. I can take it.

[bnnrcn]

Nice abstract

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, like a fiery sandstorm.

[Donald]

First reaction: The main focus of attention - the end of the swirl - is very central. I found myself wanting to pull the whole scene over to the left a bit so that the 'flame' filled more of the frame and the end of it was more off-centre.

[John 2]

First reaction: The main focus of attention - the end of the swirl - is very central. I found myself wanting to pull the whole scene over to the left a bit so that the 'flame' filled more of the frame and the end of it was more off-centre.

+1 but a credible attempt and I like the colours. Points to a few more experiments.

[gregj1763]

Reminds me of images you see of solar flares so saying that I agree with Donald's comment.
I like it

[Rita]

I like it Chauncy. You could make it really wild by integrating some of the other selections in distortion.

[chauncey]

another attempt using a different base image...

[rawill]

The first one appeals most to me, I defer to the expert comment above on position, I could not say.
But with I would like in the first one is the image to be a little sharper, like the 2nd one, but with the same colours as the first one.

On another note.
There was a thread on here with a guy who was collecting sunset/sunrise images, I contributed, but can't find that thread now. Has it been deleted. I have not been here for a while so I have lost touch.

Rbn

[Donald]

another attempt using a different base image...

I prefer that composition. It feels more balanced.

[bnnrcn]

I still prefer #1 with its colors and softness. If you are too bothered about the composition you might as well crop it fom the LHS a bit . Very nice image

[TonyW]

I like both of these - they are fun. It's also interesting to look at them upside down, perhaps preferable to me, but certainly an interesting alternative.

[Kris V]

Now, this looks like fun to play with.....gotta try it sometime!
I like the effect on both pictures.

[Rebel]

I like the first one, reminds of an Edvard Munch painting.

[JBW]

I agree that that if you combine the first colours with the second composition it would be nicer. However full points for creativity and beauty.

[Ndukes]

This is great fun. Reality, but not as we know it. It's a technique well worth exploring but I agree with Robin - you need to watch the sharpness for a cleaner image.

[chauncey]

you need to watch the sharpness for a cleaner image

Not at all sure that I agree with that Neville. In my own way, I'm trying for her "look".
https://1x.com/member/ursula

[Ndukes]

Not at all sure that I agree with that Neville. In my own way, I'm trying for her "look".
https://1x.com/member/ursula

Yes, I can see that. And Ursula's work in fascinating. But the one observation I made from her images is that, amid all the blur, there is some element in each image that the eye can easily focus upon. Without some even relatively insignificant sharp element in an image my eyes struggle. Just an observation - hope it's helpful.
In this respect I find that your second one has that sharpness element and it works well.
(Might be just my tired old eyes!)

[chauncey]

I understand and see your point...thanks for the tip.

[JohnRostron]

I can follow Neville's reasoning, but I still find #1 by far the best. I find #2 just lacks the interest. It just shows how personal preferences vary!

John