The stock markets are certainly uncertain. Even with the Fed statement of a 50 basis points cut in the federal funds rate to 3 percent, the markets still closed the day lower, albeit just slightly.
Given all pessimism, I want to start buying again, especially commodity related stocks. However, given that the market remains turbulent, I am not sure that now is the proper time to become fully invested.
So what exactly am I waiting for before I do begin buying more aggressively again? To be honest, I am not sure. I know if I saw a sharp correction, I would jump in with both feet. And, I suspect many traders and investors would do the same. I suppose if the markets begin to show more stability, that too might encourage me to start buying. The reality is, I am in a wait and see mode.
Switching topics, the above photographs show Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park (see Google Maps). The top photograph shows the result after post processing and the bottom photograph is straight out of the camera with no post processing. I bracketed my exposures to +1, 0, -1 ƒ stops of the camera exposure. I found the 0, and +1 ƒ stops photos too bright and went with the -1 ƒ stop setting. If you visit Lake Louise, you will notice that the lake has a turquoise blue color from the glacial silt in the lake. The original photograph does not show the color of the lake very well. Using some techniques that I learned from Chromasia Photoshop Tutorials, I changed the color of the lake and increased the contrast. I made some other subtle changes as well; however, those are the larger adjustments. I thought some of you might find interesting looking at both the before and after pictures.
The top photograph is linked to my Flickr site, where the photographs are hosted.
Big difference between the 2 pics. Nice touch up! Do you use filters while taking these kind of photographs? I'm just wondering if a filter would have brought out the color of the water.
AJ.
Hi AJ, In this case, I didn't use a filter. Earlier when photographers used film, they chose the brand of film that would provide the bluest blue if that was the desired effect. Now with Photoshop, we can alter the color to suit.
All that said, it is still advisable to use filters to get the best possible image out of the camera. Often that will mean using a neutral density filter or polarizing filter.
As mentioned, in this photo I didn't use a filter, except perhaps a UV/haze filter, which would have reduced the bluish haze somewhat given the altitude.
I hope that helps.