Thames sunset

[ionian]

On my way home this evening I caught the last rays of sun before it disappeared behind an encroaching bank of cloud. This is one of my favourite local scenes, and while it can certainly be more spectacular than this, the view gave me a little scope for imagination in post. Three different options below - I know the toned pink mono will not be to everyone's taste but I wanted to try and push the boundary of what others would do, and I think it works. It's just about the right side of tasteful! C&C welcome as always.

1.




2.




3.

[IzzieK]

I like all three, Simon...Each one has its own merit. The first one is really beautiful. Perhaps intense orange is another alternative? Just a thought...

[Kaye Leggett]

Good experiment. I like the composition of the third (the traffic on the bridge is balanced) and like the pink effect, but would probably back it off a little - the pink in the bottom of the second image is more subtle. But then if you're not going for subtle, ignore me.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture and processing.

[ionian]

Thanks everyone.

Izzie - I tried orange but it ended coming out a little weird - greenish clouds - so I didn't show that one. It's probably a deficiency in my processing, or a lack of patience, or both!

Kaye - the third image used the Lightroom split tone with both highlights and shadows set to the same colour. If I'm honest I didn't adjust it any further, but I do think it could work with a number of shades.

[IzzieK]

I was sort of thinking of Binnur's sunrise/sunset image last week (?) when I saw your processing -- she likes strong colours so I suggested it. Besides I am biased -- I like orange and red colours.

Thanks everyone.

Izzie - I tried orange but it ended coming out a little weird - greenish clouds - so I didn't show that one. It's probably a deficiency in my processing, or a lack of patience, or both!

Kaye - the third image used the Lightroom split tone with both highlights and shadows set to the same colour. If I'm honest I didn't adjust it any further, but I do think it could work with a number of shades.

[Geoff F]

For me, Simon, the first image has just a little bit too much dark foreground; which is why I prefer the second scene.

Maybe #3 needs a different tone. I suspect there is an excellent result to be had with that effect but that particular shade isn't quite working for me.

[ionian]

I agree Geoff about the first image - it needs a slight crop at the bottom.

I wanted the tone in #3 to be unnatural - I knew it wasn't for everyone. I had a play with it this evening to see if it worked with a softer tone, but it felt too understated for the effect I wanted. Most other colours unwittingly communicate various messages to the viewer, which I wanted to avoid.