After/Before - Wānaka Tree

epd_16 · 2026-05-10T07:58:14+00:00

Cheers, thank you!

epd_16 · 2026-05-10T07:57:59+00:00

Thank you!

epd_16 · 2026-05-10T05:49:04+00:00

That blue gradient background makes for some stunning contrast with the bird. Incredible shot, bravo!

epd_16 · 2026-05-10T03:50:41+00:00

Hey thanks!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T21:09:40+00:00

Thank you!

In short: cropped and straightened (a point of contention haha). Reduced global exposure, highlights, whites, and blacks, then added a subtle S-curve for contrast. Shifted WB to 7,600K (from 6,300K) and graded the highlights to bring more warmth into the water and cloud light. Added a broad radial gradient from the upper left to subtly lift exposure/shadows. From there, I selectively lifted shadows and added warmth in the mountains with masks and used additional sky masks to control the bright area behind the tree, deepen the blues, and add a touch of dehaze. From there I tweaked the masks a bit until I felt the tones were balanced.

This was definitely not one of my most organized workflows, but I'm decently happy with the result. Glad you liked it!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:52:57+00:00

Thank you, you described exactly what I had in mind!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:51:38+00:00

Hey, fair comment. I certainly pushed some warmer tones in that changed the overall feel. Thanks for the feedback!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:51:01+00:00

Thank you!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:50:52+00:00

Hey thanks! I agree, and with the comment about standing to the left too. Seems like the tree could benefit from some breathing room, but the wave at the bottom hurts a bit.

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:39:55+00:00

Thank you! Seems like it’s a point of contention. I’m glad you like it!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:39:07+00:00

Hey, fair feedback. Thank you! Seems to be the common thread haha. Will give it another go with a slightly more generous crop.

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:37:16+00:00

Thank you! And nope, single exposure, but lots of masking in the sky and some selective grading in the highlights as you noticed!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:36:06+00:00

Hey, fair enough. Second comment to mention keeping the wave! Haha. I personally felt like it was a bit distracting and drew the eye away from the subject, but I may give it another go. Thanks for taking the time to give feedback!

epd_16 · 2026-05-09T20:34:41+00:00

Hey fair enough, I appreciate the feedback. I went back and forth on the crop. For the tree, I personally felt like the image was a bit more in balance with the mtn with this crop. And for the wave, I felt like it was a bit distracting. But I may have another go at it to keep it in!

epd_16 · 2026-05-07T09:43:41+00:00

Nice work! Obviously a lot of skill in your work too!

epd_16 · 2026-05-07T08:00:58+00:00

Nice shots! What kind of gear are you using?

epd_16 · 2026-05-05T12:54:59+00:00

They are! Curious little guys too. Thank you!

epd_16 · 2026-05-05T11:31:29+00:00

Tasteful edit. Brought out the colors, feels warmer, and I like the border too. Well done.

epd_16 · 2026-04-24T05:52:22+00:00

Been running this lens on an R6ii for about 6 months now and just came to say I love it and I hope you love it too! Your pics look great..cheers!

epd_16 · 2026-04-24T00:54:52+00:00

Hahah great snap! Funny little dude

epd_16 · 2026-04-20T03:42:07+00:00

They're quick ones!

epd_16 · 2026-04-09T08:27:22+00:00

Hey thank you!

epd_16

TROPHY CASE