I wish itching to get out with the camera today. I went during lunch but had very little success in the full onslaught of the midday sun. I did manage to capture one image that will work for a friends photo assignment. The last few days have been full between work and my daughter’s tennis matches so when the opportunity arose to sneak out after mowing the lawn I didn’t look back.

There was a great sunset developing and windless conditions so I headed back to Delta Lake State Park to capture some images after the sun dropped below the horizon. It is always a race against the clock as they start kicking you out soon after sundown since technically the park closes at dark (but that is always open to interpretation!).

The first image is the short exposure from my bracket set which has only been manipulated in Lightroom. Version 4 of that software allows for some great control of the image. The second image is the HDR version of the same scene. I have mixed feelings about this one. I like what I was able to pull out of the rocks but I think the sky went a little too far for me. The last image is a composite image using the first two. I brought them both into Elements and manipulated the portions I liked from each into a single image.

I’m curious as to which image works for you. Let me know in the comments. Thanks…

Fade Into Night – Adjusted
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 26mm, f/22, ISO 100

Fade Into Night – HDR
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, (13/3/0.8s bracket), 26mm, f/22, ISO 100

Fade Into Night – Composite
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 26mm, f/22, ISO 100