The viaduct in the photo is now a bridge for bikers and pedestrians on the Monsal Trail in the Peak District. We had been biking it earlier in the day. When we were on the viaduct we could see a lookout point, so off we went to find this spot so that I could take this photo:
ISO 800 10mm f/18 1/120sec
Have you spotted the huge photography rule I have broken with this photo? It’s on the lower right side of the frame. A sign leading to a trail. The sign is neither fully in or out of the photo. That was my first edit, a crop that got rid of that little detail. Next, I applied a graduated filter to the sky. Bringing the exposure down in just that area brought back some detail in the sky. I then used the tone curve to darken both the dark and light tones just a little. They didn’t need much, just a bit to make the color in the photo a bit richer. Here is my edited version:
ISO 800 10mm f/18 1/120sec
Like many of my photos, with the edits, I have attempted to keep the scene looking realistic but give it a little pop. Do you think it works in this case? Have you ever been somewhere, realized the view was probably better several miles away and then trooped over there just to get a photo? Feel free to leave a comment below and happy trekking all over the place in the name of photography!
Cheers!
Added to Photo for the Week-8-Bridges.
Picfair version is here.
Photography Journal Blog 
Stunning… I love the peak district.. such beautiful scenery and what a spectacular viaduct. Thank your for entering the challenge.
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Thank you for hosting 🙂 It was a beautiful spot.
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That’s a beautiful view. The edit is perfect.
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Yes, it certainly was lovely. That trail we had been on is a very scenic one, a nice way to spend the morning.
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Thanks for the great tips.
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Thanks for your visit 🙂
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Wow, the edited version is perfect, Amy! I like how you captured the scene mikes away. The graduated filter to the sky is perfect.
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Thanks Amy, the graduated filter really helped here.
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Amy it totally works. I definitely need to do some learning on dealing with over exposed sky. It makes a huge difference in your before and after.
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I agree Sue, the graduated filter can be a bit touchy sometimes, but if you can get it just right, it really works.
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The curves adjustment really makes a difference in the clouds! I love dramatic skies. 🙂
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Yes, a “good” sky can bring so much to an image.
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good photos. the second one makes me want to explore the land.
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thank you 🙂
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your welcome! take good care !
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The scenery is so inspiring I really didn’t even notice the sign in the corner!
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I didn’t either when I first took the photo, oops!
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Lovely scenery – only thing missing is an 8F chugging across the viaduct with a rake of stone hoppers 😉
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Pretty much right? Except now it is an excellent walking and biking trail.
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Cursing Dr. Beeching aside, it’s great that it’s being put to good use 🙂 Looks like you had a fun day 🙂
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We did, and I just love repurposing things.
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I like the depth and detail in the sky, Amy. A great adjustment. Did you think about cropping the dirt path in the foreground? Just curious.
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Thank you, and yes I did, in fact, I even tried it. If you will forgive the pun, I found that leaving some of the dirt in left the photo grounded. I realize it’s all a matter of opinion, but without it, the photo took on a more surreal look, and in this case, I wasn’t crazy about it.
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Hi, Amy. That does make sense. Some foreground gives depth to the entire image.
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Thanks 🙂
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Great image, Amy!
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Thank you very much.
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Such a gorgeous trek! Lovely pictures 🙂
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Thanks, it really was a beautiful spot.
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I am sure it was 🙂
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