A second revision of an old favourite, re-processed from the same digital negative.

With the first version, I processed the sky separately and combined the two parts using a layer mask, in doing so softening the ridge slightly.

This time round a better understanding of raw processing meant that I instead worked with exposure controls, HSL sliders, and graduated filters to bring out a more pleasing sky without needing layers. Along with better colours, contrast, and removal of unnecessary distractions, it really reinforces the benefit of returning to past work with new tools, skills and experience.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, yet at the same time dark, depressing, crowded, lonely, frustrating; a time of reminiscing, hope, magic, contemplation and despair.

Many of my images explore these themes and emotions. My inspiration is often nature's elegant majesty, unforgiving harshness, silent serenity and more - aspects which are all the more evident during this hindmost season.

Nature can also provide the lesson that, no matter how bad things seem, life endures.
Nothing is forever, the wheel always turns, and what once was comes again.

It should be clear that I don't see photography as being restricted to producing only pure photo-realistic images, but that doesn't mean completely doing away with realism either. Even with a traditional landscape, a romanticised memory can be worth more than the dreary "reality" of the moment captured by the camera's sensor.

This often brings up the question of how far to go, and at what point does too far instead turn into not far enough.

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