PHOTO: Bryce Canyon lighting and artifacts problems

Hi all,


I just received a rejection with possibility to resubmit for the following file: 


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwxoHjnM6MjdTjJjam41Z0VTR2c/edit


The reasons given for rejection are the following:


"This file contains artifacting when viewed at full size. This technical issue is commonly created by the quality settings in-camera, in post-processing, in RAW settings or scanner settings. Artifacting can also be introduced into an image from the result of other factors such as excessive level adjustments.


We found the overall composition of this file's lighting could be improved. Some of the technical aspects that can all limit the usefulness of a file are:

-Flat/dull colors
-Direct on-camera flash and/or flash fall-off (bright subject, dark background)
-Harsh lighting with blown-out highlights that lack details and/or distracting shadows
- Distracting lens flares
-Incorrect white balance"


I would be really grateful if you could help me understanding where the problems are and how I can improve this image in order to get it accepted.


Thanks in advance,


Fabrizio

If google doc is showing the full rez version, look at it at 100%, see all the grainyness...

Thanks inhauscreative for you comment.


However, when you click on 100% in Gdocs, it first shows a low quality preview, and after a while (I guess depending on the internet connection) it loads the full res version (or if you prefer you can download the full res)


In the full res, I actually don't see such a grainyness...

It is all mushy, really. Bin it and move on. Even downsizing would not seem to help this time.

I think downsizing it to Large minimum spec would probably solve most of the technical / artefacting issues.

(Edited on 2013-01-13 15:08:05 by kelvinjay)

To me it looks like part of the problem here is overprocessing. I would suggest reprocessing from the original RAW (or JPEG if you don't have it RAW) with a much lighter hand overall, combined with some downsizing. The light is maybe a bit flat & cool, so gently punching up the levels and warming it slightly should take care of the lighting rejection.

Thanks everybody for the feedback.


@donald: I will follow your advise, going back to the original raw and trying to see whether with a "lighter hand" I can solve the problems.