The Evolution of an Image

I’m not sure why, but I was feeling somewhat moody with regards to image processing today. This is an image which wasn’t really that spectacular when I took it. I was literally standing on my front lawn when I snapped it. Today, I found the urge to edit it.

Original Image
Original Image
NIKON D50 @ 62mm — 1/160 sec , ƒ/ 7.1 , ISO 200

Of course, the power lines had to go.  It also had to be straightened.  The shot was taken just before a storm.  The wind was starting to pick up and there were some very threatening clouds approaching.  So I decided to try to re-create the mood that existed at that moment.  Granted, I didn’t really capture it in the original, but thanks to the digital era, I was able to take some creative license.  The next few steps really just sort of happened and with a little selective burning and dodging, I ended up with a moody shot which I believe captures the feeling that day.  Click on the image to see a larger version as I don’t think the small version does it justice.

After
After
NIKON D50 @ 62mm — 1/160 sec , ƒ/ 7.1 , ISO 200

Let me know what you think.  I submitted it to a couple stock agencies so we’ll see if they think it’s sellable.  All comments are welcome!