One element that always adds drama to photos is the presence of clouds. This monochrome post shows three examples of Texas parks with clouds enhancing the Lone Star’s landscape. Full disclosure: these are not long-exposure photos. I edited the original images and created a long-exposure effect on the clouds.
I opened with one of Davis Mountains SP’s Skyline Drive views. Nothing can ever make that a boring location. I have lots of photos in this blog captured at that location.
This next photo is from one of the most popular state parks in Central Texas: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Visitors flock to this park to climb the massive pink granite dome in a short and steep hike to the top: 1.3 miles (2.1 km) roundtrip and 419 feet (128 meters) in elevation gain. A view of the Texas Hill Country can be enjoyed by those brave hikers who make it to the top. In the photo above, you can see two people enjoying the view.
The closing image is from the Texas area known as Lost Pines. In the middle of the Hill Country area, Lake Bastrop South Shore Park has many loblolly pines that create an enchanting forest.
This post was created for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #23 hosted by Brian of bushboys world.
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Anne Sandler
Beautiful Egidio! How did you make clouds look like you took the photo via long exposure in post?
Egidio Leitao
First, thank you for the compliment. About the clouds, it helped that the original photo had plenty of clouds and was photographed using a superwide angle lens. As to how I created the illusion of a long exposure, I used Luminar Neo. It’s possible to do it in Photoshop, but Luminar makes it so very easy. You select the sky and apply a blur mask.
margaret21
Such energetic drama! Especially that first shot.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. As I explained to Anne, the cloud formations helped a lot. In that first shot, I was using a superwide angle lens to increase the clouds dispersion. The rest was creating the illusion of a long exposure.
bushboy
Wow Egidio what amazing clouds. You captured the movement so well 😲
thanks for joining in my turn at Monochrome Madness 😀
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Brian. You might have missed the first paragraph in the post. I said I created the illusion of a long exposure in post. I need to check you entry for the challenge. I did not see it this morning.
Leanne Cole
These are fantastic Egidio. I have to the first one is so good for the clouds, it is usually where the clouds are just some background, but I couldn’t take my eyes off them.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Leanne. That area always has great skies.
Tomi Rovira
Wonderful photos!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Tomi.
Teresa
All amazing shots Egidio, and I especially love the first one.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Teresa.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Nice blur effect you have added to the clouds.Very moody. I see one the sunset haven in color too, I like how the original clouds looked, it had the same effect but in a more subtle way
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Ritva. I agree with you. Monochromes are great for adding more drama.
Rebecca Cuningham
Excellent monochromes!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Rebecca.