Four Trees in a Row

It's been a phenomenally long time since Basil and I walked round Nanpantan Reservoir. It was closed for several months last year while Severn Trent carried out works and repairs. Only the anglers had access.

Despite a bitter east wind, the afternoon was fine and sunny. I resolved to try and take series of photos with the Canon to explore its different blend modes in multi exposure mode.

The blend modes are additive, average, light, dark. I took four shots in each mode beginning with the same photo of the four trees and then taking the same set of photos in sequence.This multi exposure was in dark mode. I found it difficult to differentiate fully between results. 

I adjusted settings in Lightroom boosting shadows, contrast and clarity (to some extent), and lowering highlights and whites using gradients for the top and bottom of the scene. White balance was cloudy.

Ultimately, I reduced exposure on this scene to try to get the tones into balance.

For me, it's quite attractive, but it's all a matter of taste.

Severn Trent have laid a concrete path round part of the northern side of the reservoir where it looks as if they've reduced the ground level substantially. Should be easier to spot water birds from this side now. Only one grebe on the water. Not so many ducks, and a few seagulls probably anticipating bad weather.