Test. Lets see what you know

[iCe]

OK... Photo one and two were taken at very close intervals. The processing is rough in these but nearly identical.

(1) Did I post process to improve the second one. If so:
(a) Can you tell me what I did?

(2) If this was done with an action that I wrote is it something that I could market?

(3) If I didn't... what did I do?

[iCe]

No takers?

[Ahh!]

On the 2nd image, you "got it right in the camera"?

[Gambit]

I don't know about actions, but IMHO the second shot is over-sharpened.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by Ahh!

On the 2nd image, you "got it right in the camera"?

Yes but how...

I don't know about actions, but IMHO the second shot is over-sharpened.

Like I said "The processing is rough in these but nearly identical."

How many stops difference is there between a setting sun and the foreground? More than 4. You simply can't recover that much difference (other than HDR and then you get a different look). I hurriedly processed these for the "test".

[Patti Edens]

On the second: Metered for the foreground and used a split neutral density filter?

[iCe]

Close Patti. Metered the foreground and used a 3-stop reversed graduated neutral density filter. 4 stops would have worked a little better. The reverse neutral grad has a darker band in the center and then fades out in either direction. Clear at the bottom but still dark at the top. I'm refinding my GND's. The only filters that I kept when I went digital as a Gaylon Rowel warming circular polarizer and a 2 stop Gaylon Rowel graduated neutral density filter. I've since added a few more versions and I love 'em. The one that I used this afternoon was a hand held 3 x 4 version.

[Jake]

The reversed graduated neutral density filter is next on my filter list.
After using my regular GND filters on our Destin trip, I could really see the benefits of having a reversed GND filter.

[iCe]

It's awesome...

"Normally", which means I just started using them again I use a Cokin P holder, Galen Rowell Warming Circular polarizer, and a Galen Rowell 2 stop GND (stacked) when necessary. BTW- The Galen Rowell warming circular polarizer kicks rear. However, when I bought the 3-stop reverse GND I bought the 3x4 "card". I did that because wider than 35mm shots start to vignette in the corners. It's not really vignetting so much as the holder gets in the way. Forget even using a holder with the 14mm lens. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to position the filter. I've seen examples where the photog stacked the "cards" and held them together with clips rather than use a holder. Plus... if I ever actually shoot LF I'll be able to use the card with those lenses.

I spent a day in Big Bend with nothing but a 35mm lens and the two filters listed above. Even high noon shots were greatly improved with the filter combo.

iCe added 19 Minutes and 9 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

PS- the GND in ACR works pretty well but the real deal lets you capture the color. If you need to tone it down a little more the one in ACR works pretty well... Not a save-all but certainly a good tool

[Peacock]

Love it when you speak, Technical! I learn something everyday here at TPF!

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks Michael for showing this, I have been eyeballing that reverse grd.