Traveller, I can see the background in both shots; though I personally prefer the background in the one in pending. But the lights are too bright there. If it were me, I would have first boosted the shadows in LR some. For you, I'd try overlaying the two shots in PS, then masking the brighter lights out, or masking the brighter background in - whichever is easier. But both convey a dark and foreboding mood.
Well, that is the question, Jim...and I honestly seek your advice...I want this dark and foreboding....What is in the Shadows?!?
But is it too dark?
I am off to pick up some proofs for printing, (not this or anything associated with the challenge), and it is an irritant to me that with 4 machines to look at, two desk tops, my laptop and a large screened phone...I can't get brightness right.
So, for you, Jim, is this so dark you can't see it?
Interesting and a bit thought provoking. Which is the subject -- which is the light source? Does it matter? I like it. You could probably do an HDR of this, bringing out the trees and bushes in the background some.
