Sunrise in the West

[Sleepytrout]

Here's one of the photos that I've been playing around with some PP. Would enjoy (I think) some C&C. Also, how can I brighten the forground? I'm using iPhoto for now and have a Photoshop CS2 free trial (man, is that program confusing).

The first is the original and the second is the PP. I'd really like to get this one worked out well enough to print.

Suggestions appreciated.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y253/Sleepytrout/IMG_1988-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y253/Sleepytrout/IMG_1988.jpg

[VTEC_EATER]

Unfortunately, I dont know how iPhoto works but with PS CS2 you will be able to make the foreground and background as separate layers. Within the layers you will be able to edit them independently. Now, I wouldnt go as heavy with the brightness and contrast settings as you have, especially for the mountains. The reason I wouldnt is because of the way things look in real life. The farther away things get, the more washed out and hazy they are. If you want to spend the time, I would definitely make the sky, the mountains, and the trees all separate layers. Adjust the levels independently, and see what you got. Sometimes spending all the time is fun. Other times it can be frustrating.

[toriaj]

Wow, that's a great shot!

I like the way you did the top of the mountain and the sky. But the bottom of the mountain looks too dark. I agree with what VTEC_EATER said about layers. The lazy man's (read: my :D ) version is to simply select the trees and edit them. That way you don't select the rest of the picture.

If CS2 is too complicated, try Photoshop Elements. It has a free 30-day trial. (I tried it, and then decided to go with Paint Shop Pro instead.)

What lens, filter, etc. did you use for the shot? Good job!

[Sleepytrout]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'll give them a try. It'll be a good exercise to try layering.

The lens was the 24-105L f/4 without a filter (didn't have one). EXIF: 50mm, f/13, 1/500, ISO 400. Shot was also handheld with IS.