I do appreciate all comments and always look forward to constructive crits (even when I disagree
). WAS, you were correct about the color disparity in the second image. I was a bit shocked myself to see the effect after posting. The version of the MS map that I used on the middle lower rock was too saturated and brownish, I've replaced it with, hopefully, a better version. Overall I find my posted images after whatever reductive magic is being wrought tends to add saturation and a bit of blur, so some compensation is necessary. As to the first image: well, my first instinct in making images is to think like a painter, not a photographer; composition, color balance and contrasting lighted areas drive the image, rather then strict photo realism. I made an 'artist's decision' to place the distant area in shadowed light to keep it well back of the truncated middle ground, additionally the reduced detail was to further 'push' it back. Originally the image was titled: The Coyote's Dream: Below the remnant of the Tehama Caldera". I thought that a bit long for posting and shortened it. It's actually based on a real fragment of an ancient volcanic caldera in Northern California. The Tehama Volcano was 11 miles wide and is part of the infamous "Pacific Ring of Fire", the remnant now called 'Mount Brokeoff' is an area that I have spent much time around and the gnarly Junipers are quite striking. I could add some texturing to the area, but probably not anytime soon. I highly recommend a book titled "Coyote America" which details how the Coyote was relentlessly pursued with the goal of species elimination by the US Government, only to now have populations in almost all American Cities (over 4,000 est. in Chicago alone). Oshyan, I'm glad you viewed the video; yes, I can be a bit long winded at times and also with the pacing of the breakdown (and your observations are similar to other friends). For 'learning examples' it would be too slow, but this one was just for my enjoyment. Thanks to all who had positive comments, once again they are sincerely appreciated!
I've added an RTP image to show the detail of the second image in a different way. I've come to appreciate the B/W RTP Object renders as a nifty tool.