Brad Becker
October 2026 - Rainbow Mountain
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
This image was inspired by two trips. The background image is taken in Peru in a mountain range called "Rainbow Mountain". This view is a further away from the classic Rainbow mountain view but still spectacular. I also just got back from Glacier National Park and was treated to a spectacular rainbow. Both images sat independently in photoshop for a few weeks as I struggled to figure out what to do with them. One day I realized I was working on Rainbow mountain and a real rainbow and thought it would be fun to combine. That was a mistake. Very hard combining these completely different images. I added a hummingbird as it created a surreal unifying theme but not sure it works perfectly. Any suggestions?
6 comments posted
The Original and Original 2 images are each difficult to improve. They are beautiful photographs. Over the years we have been in the same PID group, you have visited destinations that have resulted in jaw-dropping photographs. Not all of them can be enhanced with tinkering. You felt this as you say above that you "struggled to figure out what to do with them." Don't struggle. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Posted: 10/06/2026 18:40:18
Thanks Alan. There are two independent creative explorations. Taking beautiful pictures to capture beautiful places and playing in photoshop to explore the feelings these images inspire. I agree some pictures should be left as they are. Posted: 10/06/2026 19:53:33
Hi Brad,
It's true both images are successful in their own right, and I really like your idea of combining two completely different locations into one composite. What an interesting creative challenge! I really wanted to see it without the bird. It's just another idea to consider. Please let me know what you think.
This must have been quite a challenge to put together.
Posted: 10/09/2026 03:12:47
It's true both images are successful in their own right, and I really like your idea of combining two completely different locations into one composite. What an interesting creative challenge! I really wanted to see it without the bird. It's just another idea to consider. Please let me know what you think.
This must have been quite a challenge to put together.
Posted: 10/09/2026 03:12:47
Hi Brad, I think that Heidi's suggestion is good - without the bird that takes a lot of attention, one can really see the beautiful blend of the two landscapes melting together, and understand where the name of the mountain comes from. I think that another alternative might be to make the bird smaller and and hide it partially behind the clouds? Posted: 10/14/2026 08:13:49
Wow, what incredible images! All of them are fascinating, and can certainly stand alone. Still, I understand the urge to see what they are like together.
You have blended the landscapes seamlessly. The colors of the rainbow highlight the color streaks in the mountain. I like the way the river leads my eye in towards the rainbow, and then up into those magnificent clouds, and then all around the mountains.
For me, the addition of the hummingbird makes it become the subject of the image. Its placement by the rainbow ties it to the rest of the image. Personally, I'd consider having it fly into the image instead of to the left if it is placed there.
Then again, since for me it's the subject, I'd consider making it larger, with the beak pointing towards the rainbow.
Posted: 10/16/2026 18:25:42
You have blended the landscapes seamlessly. The colors of the rainbow highlight the color streaks in the mountain. I like the way the river leads my eye in towards the rainbow, and then up into those magnificent clouds, and then all around the mountains.
For me, the addition of the hummingbird makes it become the subject of the image. Its placement by the rainbow ties it to the rest of the image. Personally, I'd consider having it fly into the image instead of to the left if it is placed there.
Then again, since for me it's the subject, I'd consider making it larger, with the beak pointing towards the rainbow.
Posted: 10/16/2026 18:25:42
Hi Brad, you have blended the different landscapes in a fabulous way. I love the rainbow emerging from the clouds, with the sun illuminating the mountains and the rainbow announcing the rain. My only concern is the bird's position, as I find it too close to both the rainbow and the edge of the frame. I prefer its placement in Peggy's version. Posted: 10/17/2026 08:15:10