Canon 5D Mark II, 70-200 F/4.0L, f/6.3, 1/250, iso 100
While driving along Highway 1 last week in San Luis Obispo county, I came across this scene. After about two or three minutes of driving past it, I stopped, turned around, and came back for this shot. That's Morro Rock in the background, a famous landmark and object of photography.
I was fascinated by the windmill. I had seen several of them. Turns out they are working windmills, from the Aermotor company (since 1888!).
Topaz Adjust 4.0 did a very nice job on this image. I started with Details Strong preset, and then a few tweaks from there. Back in Lightroom, I added a GND at the bottom, and did a small curves adjustment (typical S-Curve). Just made the scene a little more dramatic. You'll see what I mean when you click on the Continue link below for the original image, which was taken in very flat light.
SOOC version. Go Topaz!
