Ripening Grain, Pairie Skies........

[LenR]

A re visited image captured a couple of years ago. Almost endless fields of ripening grain under prairie skies.
C&C welcome.

Prairie Skies by Len Reeves, on Flickr

[Geoff F]

I like it although with such a good sky I would be tempted to have a little bit less grain?

[DanK]

A nice image, but low in contrast, which makes it look washed out. Shows up in the histogram too. I started by raising the black point, lowering the white point, and applying a little midtone contrast, all with a single curves layer, and then adding a bit of vibrance. I didn't do a full edit, but I think this shows what I mean.

[AntonioCorreia]

I prefer the original image to the version made by Dan, and I'll explain why, sharing this personal view openly.
The visual impact of the new one feels overly aggressive to me – or perhaps 'intense' is the more fitting term –, with excessive sharpness, heightened contrasts, and other such elements that create a vibrant, energy-filled sense of tension.
The originally proposed image, by contrast, conveys greater tranquillity and well-being to me, allowing a more natural and serene identification with the scene, as if inviting us to immerse ourselves gently within it.

Perhaps I myself, in my photos, am falling into the same "trap" of meticulous detail, precise cropping, and elevated contrasts – and, thinking better, I am, and have been for a long time! For instance, a high-quality lens produces images of technical excellence, but the true impact lies not solely in that: it comes from what they convey and the emotions they evoke in the viewer, touching us at heart level.
Just imagine: Dan's version stands out for its technical potency, which can be perfect for more dynamic contexts, while the original shines in its welcoming softness.

This duality fascinates and inspires me to experiment more. And you, Dan or whoever is reading, what do you feel when comparing the two? Share your impressions – I love hearing different perspectives, as that's how we all grow in photography!

[DanK]

Antonio,

It's all a matter of taste, but still, I enjoy and profit from the back-and-forth discussions of preferences.

Just to be clear, I did not increase sharpening in my edit. I changed only black point, white point, midtone contrast, and vibrance (gently). I suspect that what you are perceiving as sharpness is just contrast.

I found the original to be drab. It has no details to create interest for the viewer, and nothing grabbed my attention. So, the interest has to come from something else. My thought was to do this by increasing both tonal and color contrast. (I generally use color contrast very modestly. For example, I almost never increase saturation.) If I were editing this seriously, I wouldn't have ended up with what I posted. That was just a very simple edit to illustrate the effects of boosting both forms of contrast.

Dan

[AntonioCorreia]

Speculating and reflecting, I allow myself to extrapolate from the previously expressed perspective on the emotional impact of images.
We can say that even in the context of creation through artificial intelligence, the true impact does not lie solely in the technical quality or aesthetic perfection, whatever they may be. It is above all in what the images manage to convey and the emotions they awaken in the observer, touching us on a deep and emotional level.

When we combine carefully crafted and refined prompts with thoughtful post-processing, we create much more than visually appealing images: we build visual experiences that resonate with the viewer. Artificial intelligence, as a creative tool, expands this potential by allowing us to explore visual territories previously unimaginable, but it is always that emotional connection that gives soul to the images, making them truly memorable.

Thus, whether we are working with a high-quality lens or using advanced algorithms, the essence of visual art lies in capturing not only the eye but also the heart, in a balance where technique and emotion walk together, transforming the visual into a universal language of feelings.

[DanK]

I'm now on my color corrected monitor rather than my laptop, and if I were doing it again, I would increase contrast and vibrance in the sky less than I did, less than the wheat.

[LenR]

My thanks to Geoff, Dan and Antonio for their contributions. Interesting points of view and discussions that make this Forum what it is.
Dan, in your last post you clarified a point I was about to raise. I too found your edits to be a little on the bold side and was wondering with your recent computer changes and upgrades if you were working from an uncalibrated monitor. That being said, I appreciate your suggestions are given as "pointers"
A little additional contrast may well be beneficial as far as this image is concerned. A re visit is called for......
Thanks again.

[Round Tuit]

Antonio,

You and I went through this dichotomy that you see between emotional and technical photos last spring. You seem to equate soft and low contrast images with emotional images while you consider sharp and contrasty images as technical. If we look at Len's original image, it conveys a sombre, contemplative or nostalgic feeling whereas Dan's version is more inviting, cheerful and upbeat. They are both "emotional" images. They simply convey different feelings and if Len's intent was to evoke quiet contemplation then his version is technically better than Dan's because it is more successful at conveying his intention.
What we feel when we look at an image is very personal. It depends on our life experiences, our mood at the time or even how tired we are. The photographer creating an image can only hope that it will resonate with the viewer.

[LenR]

Thanks Andre, very well put.......

[DanK]

I agree with Andre. It's something I deal with often in flower photography. Some people want crisp detail and use focus stacking and the like. Other people prefer a style where only a small amount in focus. I'm in the first group--not because I put technique over emotion, but because I find that style of image much more interesting. Some people have the same preference, while others don't.

[Manfred M]

To quote my mentor; "Colour is an opinion".

Whatever works for you is just fine. Everyone has made some very good points, but utlimately, the maker gets the final say.

[billtils]

+1 to what Dan posted.

[LenR]

Mods, should post #14 be taken down - used for advertising purposes?