Wafting in the autumn wind

I packed my camera into my car this morning. I knew the sun was going to be out today, so I went to the local country park to take a few more autumnal shots. Unfortunately the park wasn't basked in reds and oranges as I hoped, instead the trees were either green or bare. Although it was a brisk day the sun was shining intensely, so I thought I could use it as a feature of today's photo.

It was really bright at about 2pm this afternoon, which is when this was taken. Pointing a camera almost directly into the sun yields over-exposed pictures, so care must be taken and manual settings are a must. In post-processing I added the rays and sun flare.

Unfortunately I'm pretty certain tomorrow's shot will be indoors. Incessant rain is on the cards, which won't abate during the day. I know this series of commentaries is turning in to a daily weather forecast, but it matters greatly when you're planning what to shoot each day!

Canon EOS 450D, f/2.5, 1/1600, ISO-100

[The Steve From 2010]

Sweet shot, but was that lens flare right there done in post? From your write-up I don't think it was, but then it does look a bit too pristine...

[Vikdaddy]

@eyebrows The lens flare was done in photoshop - i'll add it to the commentary so y'all don't think i was insinuating otherwise!

[Anja]

Wau, really amazing shot.

[Heather (pixelchix)]

Quite a lovely photo. I've never added flare or rays in PS, something to try out...what tool/filter do you use?

[Pamela Mandeville]

Very nice. It almost looked like iced plants at first glance.

[Jeff G.]

beautiful. i love the texture in this shot.

[Vikdaddy]

@pixelchix Hey heather, thanks. Instead of me going through the steps of how to add rays, try following these instructions in photoshop: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/create-sun-rays-photoshop/

As for the sun flare, that's easy - go to filters>>render>>sun flare in photoshop.

[jinx (@jinximages)]

Excellent rendering! Very well blended. Love the overall feel of this one.

[Aaron L]

So you don't feel left out mate.... ;-)


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Like the pic by the way, looks almost Christmas type shot

[Vikdaddy]

@azza_l I think I have a juvenile sense of humour...

[Aaron L]

@vikdaddy Don't worry I do too, I did "lol" when I saw it.

[aikiuser (jenn)]

Total awesomeness! Never tried adding rays in PS, but I gotta try it some time. I've seen it used to great effect--as here!

[Cynthia C.]

Beautiful pic! Perfect focus. I love the editing to, very subtle.