California and Western USA recent trip

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http://www.phillevy.co.uk

Some great shots here!
What lens used? (Sigma 10-20?)

I'm from that area. I feel that the first four exposures could use a little less saturation however.
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kokopuffs

Number 3 is great!
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Jay

I also see the saturation somewhat strong. I my favorite is the 2nd shot.. I’d clean the sky (jets I suppose) and correct lateral aberration that deteriorates shot mainly on the left both in shapes and fringing, nx2 does it nicely.
Very nice.
Thanks for sharing,

Hynek

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http://www.sunwaysite.com

Thanks - they are all shot with either the Nikon 18-200VR or Tokina 11-16mm
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http://www.phillevy.co.uk

The saturation in the first shots are as a result of PP being done direct from RAW in an HDR program. I do like a lot of saturation, but maybe I should have posted my originals which were done in NX2. Interesting point about the sky - I quite liked the mess, but I will try a cleanup! Thanks for your comments and here is the NX2 version of the 2nd shot:



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http://www.phillevy.co.uk

You do perfectly right you post what you like, still it is enriching in a way to see fellow photogs views while keeping yours. The color saturation is trifle to tweak not being core of this nice capture. Overall execution is. Personally, now the shot looks even better to my eyes, aberration free too. Very pleasing frame.
Thanks for the (featured) comment,

Best,

Hynek

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http://www.sunwaysite.com

Phil,

Having been or lived in these places, I really like what you've done with both the composition and color with these images.

For the most part, these areas are rather drab by comparison to the images here, except when the light is right and then it can be magical.

Couple of comments:

1. On the greenery and the images with large spaces with red in them, I agree with the prior comments about the saturation - it's a bit much. However, I know the look you were going for and would suggest just a shade less from posted and you will be there. I've bought the Nik ColorFX3 package for NX2 and the Tonal Contrast filter really makes playing with curves much simpler and easier to get the pop you want.

2. I really like the Texaco gas station image. To me, that one is set right. I've taken to looking pretty close at image sets, depending on how many locations I shoot in and sometimes I end setting batch adjustments for each area separately. That may help you here as well, if you have quite a few to process.

3. These images are what the 18-200 was designed for. You are one of the few that is using this lens properly, IMO.

Good job...

Phil I think the small sampling portrays the west coast of America well! I do think the saturation is a bit hot on some of these but that is always a matter of taste.

Number 3 is my favorite.
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Chris
http://www.33g.com/photos

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.

Thanks for the comments - as mentioned earlier I posted HDR versions of the 1st few shots and hence the deeper saturation (I think I must have spent too much time on Ken Rockwell's site!). The original shots are all available in my gallery below with more down to earth colours!

http://phillevy.zenfolio.com/p259907001
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http://www.phillevy.co.uk

Just spent about 15 minutes looking at your entire trip gallery, and I thoroughly enjoyed your images. I also have an 18-200VRII, and have not been totally satisfied. However, your images confirm my suspicion that the problem is me.
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Bob

The image of the Golden Gate Bridge is stunningly different, I love it!
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Chuck Mason