CHATEAU DE FORCALQUEIRET 3
Despite the fact that it was quite a cloudy day, (see ’’CASTLE FORCALQUIERET 2’‘ ) these are not the original clouds.
This wall is directly facing the setting sun and was very over exposed and due to the large area in darkness on the lower half, the camera overexposed everything, especially the sky which had completely washed out.
As much as I object to photographers compositing into an image things that weren’t there, this is very much how the day actually looked.
I will always advise clients anytime compositing has been done in Post Production.
PROCESS:
-Import original colour image.
-Convert to B&W (Desaturate).
-Create Negative Mask layer and adjust Opacity.
-Merge Layers.
-Select by Contiguous Colour and remove original washed-out sky.
-Import clouds as Layer.
-Convert clouds to B&W (Desaturate).
-Move/position clouds.
-Rotate clouds slightly to better suit perspective.
-Merge Layers.
-Adjust Levels.
-Selective burning of Highlights and Midtones on the rocks on the pathway and some over-exposed areas on the rock wall to the far right of the archway.
-Create new Layer (transparency).
-Add Noise to new layer to create grain effect.
-Adjust Opacity of new ’’Noise Layer.’‘
-Merge Layers.
-Adjust Levels.
-Scale Image to 2766×3840 pixels per inch at 150dpi.
-Save As .PNG file type – Compression Level 9.
Check out the CHATEAU DE FORCALQUEIRET SERIES
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Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

HenkStolk
wonderful frame. Good angle, nice surrealistic contrast
AdamDonnelly
Looks a little spooky! Very nicely done
billyboy
Hey Byron! I love the way this ancient stone structure seems to rise from the underworld, guided my the dimly lit pathway. Nice dramatic sky with an almost infrared vibe. This has got to be the rear entrance to Dr. Frankenstein`s lab… Cool shot, nice job!!
ktowers
good atmosphere, works well in b&w
Amy-lee Foley
Brilliant :o)
Amy-lee
xXxOoO
Rosalie Scanlon
I like the way you composed this shot. The darkness at the bottom leads your eye into the entrance. Nice image.
Ben Herman
mysteriously romantic.
jwinman
beautiful, moody light.
MikaelaMartinez
This is GREAT!
Jan Timmons
Cool. Would love to see what the real clouds lacked. Great dark blacks, good greys, and a super composition. Thanks also for the steps.
Jan Timmons
Meant to add that with Sarah B’s suggestion, this might just make the homepage. Should.
milesw
Wonderfully atmospheric B&W.
ninayak
Wow amazing work.. Lovely atmospheric B&W