Lone Saguaro

by Doug Weber
(Tucson Arizona)

I wanted to capture drama in the sky and contrast it against the silhouette of the lone Saguaro.


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There's always something captivating about a 'lone' something.

It could be a lone tree, a lone person, or a lone saguaro.

The lone aspect is a powerful part of the composition. Giving your subject plenty of space around it adds an element of isolation.

In taking this photo Doug has stuck to the rule of thirds. Good thing!

Other good things about Doug's photo are the silhouette. Taking the photo in low light, against the sky has created a really nice silhouette effect.

Despite all of this good stuff, I can't help but feel that this photo is just a little bland, and could use some Photoshop seasoning!

It's the sky that I'm specifically thinking of. There's some cloud there, there's some drama there, but I think it could be livened up.

And I've had a go myself! I've taken the silhouetted saguaro and grasses, masked them off, and then altered the sky – using a gradient map.

You can see my efforts here.

Thanks Doug for the submission. Please do have a look at my effort, and by all means leave your comments below.

Ed.

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