C&C my first panorama and post processing attempt

jdong217 · Nov 10, 2011

I've done panos before, but those were just "oh let me just take a bunch of pictures and see how they come out stitched together." I edited this in lightroom, but I'll be completely honest: I just kind of played with the dials until I liked how it came out. I'll have to learn them properly when I have time though -_-

Lai King stacks by justindong, on Flickr

Breaux · Nov 10, 2011

I like it - there's so much to look at. I like the way the lights in the top right fade up and away into the darkness. It makes it seem like we're just seeing one bit of something huge that keeps going out of view. (I have no idea if it really does.)

I might increase the contrast just a little. Make the sky close to black.

tirediron · Nov 10, 2011

I like it; agree that a contrast and saturation boost wouldn't hurt. Excellent use of the highway as a leading line.

Tkot · Nov 10, 2011

I agree with the two above me. Looks good!

arkipix1001 · Nov 10, 2011

love hong kong...cant wait to go back....nice shot by the way

DiskoJoe · Nov 10, 2011

its a bit tilted

TenaciousTins · Nov 10, 2011

I love it!! Would just love to see the sky a bit more black!

jdong217 · Nov 11, 2011

Hmm, I messed with the contrast and shadows a bit:

Lai King stacks - take 2 by justindong, on Flickr

robitussin217 · Nov 11, 2011

I like the dynamic range of the edit.

I assume those are mountains on the right side of the frame above the horizon line, but it looks like a ridiculously ENORMOUS super structure because of the lights.

EchoingWhisper · Nov 11, 2011

Breaux said:
I like it - there's so much to look at. I like the way the lights in the top right fade up and away into the darkness. It makes it seem like we're just seeing one bit of something huge that keeps going out of view. (I have no idea if it really does.)

I might increase the contrast just a little. Make the sky close to black.

This is what I got trying to make the entire sky black. Lol.

MScreations · Nov 11, 2011

I honestly think I like the second edit the best although the last one that Michael did was neat as well.. I love how the pic just catches my attention all the way around when looking at all the different things.

rpm · Nov 11, 2011

great shot. how did you do it?

id personally remove the tree line though...otherwise it looks awesome

shinyblackapple · Nov 11, 2011

I like your panorama shot, really good. I am not myself experienced with retouching night photography.. have you tried playing around with levels in photoshop? I think the second one looks much better, less washed out.

dsquared · Nov 11, 2011

I think the second one is the best, just not that contrasty and darker, just a little bit less and I think it will be the best... Very nice shot!

jdong217 · Nov 11, 2011

Thanks guys.

I don't have a special tripod for panos like I know some dedicated people do, but I think having a decent ballhead helps. I'll post the 6 images later for reference.

Also will try playing around with photoshop some more later

@robitussin yeah, the background is mountains. There are actually mansions up there and there's a tourist shopping area as well with a great view