It’s time again for Stacy’s One Photo Focus, where we are given a photo to edit as we see fit. I’m always astounded at the variety of creativity that we find from the entries. Click on the link above to see all of the other submissions.
Here is August’s original image, supplied by Katie Prior. What a great scene! Those waves crashing, the texture in the pier and those clouds overhead. I really couldn’t wait to get started.
Here is my dramatic black and white version:
I felt that the composition lent itself nicely to a square crop. It enabled me to get the bottom right edge of the photo to meet that rough and rocky pier. I think it really highlights the crashing waves. I also used a graduated filter to darken those clouds, enhancing the stormy mood of the shot.
Of course, I had to have another try. I wanted to do another edit with a more traditional crop and also in colour. I wanted to see what was hiding in the side of the pier where the waves are crashing in and boy was I happy with the gorgeous colours that emerged. I haven’t adjusted the colours at all, except for desaturating the red coat that the person on the left is wearing as it distracted from the gorgeous greens, golds and blues. The colours were only enhanced by increasing overall contrast and clarity in the basic section of Lightroom.
Absolutely a fabulous challenge to sink your teeth into. I highly recommend it. Thank you Katie for a wonderful shot and thank you Stacy for organising. This is fun!
x desleyjane
Musings of a Frequent Flying Scientist 
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