Rita Johnston
October 2025 - Colorado Dreaming
Original
About the Image(s)
I took this image in Colorado during low light using slow shutter. In processing it, I liked the colors a lot and the image a lot, but felt like it needed more of a subject. I had taken another image including the mountain. I layered the two together, added some pro contrast in Nik Color Efex Pro, straighten the image, and finalized it that way. Members, Do you like the original or main image the best? Which one works best as an ICM? Can you suggest any improvements. I will put this in a Creative Reality Category in the print competition coming up.
7 comments posted
I think adding the mountains makes your image suit the title of Colorado Dreaming. Without them, this looks like a prairie that could be anywhere. I like the colors and the smoothness you achieved.
Did you actually move the camera when taking this, or just let the wind cause the movement? Posted: 10/12/2025 18:05:35
Did you actually move the camera when taking this, or just let the wind cause the movement? Posted: 10/12/2025 18:05:35
Thanks Denise. I did both. The wind was blowing, which got my attention to take the photo. Then moved the camera for ICM during it. Posted: 10/12/2025 19:01:43
Lovely! I like both the original and the final version. The colors are fantastic and the scene itself is beautiful. I really like that you added the mountains to the image.
The water feature on the mid left, is also attractive. I'm wondering if you might enlarge that feature a bit, if it would add even more to the image? Posted: 10/13/2025 12:49:56
The water feature on the mid left, is also attractive. I'm wondering if you might enlarge that feature a bit, if it would add even more to the image? Posted: 10/13/2025 12:49:56
Thank you. I will try that. Just FYI, that area was not water but a field with old cars and trucks there, and the beauty of ICM is it made it look like water! Posted: 10/13/2025 17:12:51
Beautiful image Rita! When I first glanced at it, I thought maybe the colors were too saturated and unrealistic, but the more I took it in, the more I liked the vibrancy of it. Love the ICM; it worked to great effect. Adding the mountains was inspired, and I like that you placed them off-center. I loved discovering that hint of another mountain in the haze on the mid left! Posted: 10/14/2025 22:23:56
Thank you. I think you are the only one who mentioned the other mountain, which I tried to keep in. Posted: 10/20/2025 16:12:14
Kia ora Rita. I also like what you have done - movement, colour, and the addition of the mountains. I like that you have left the hint of structures there, adding to the dream-like qualities. Posted: 10/23/2025 03:47:39