Picture rejected due to exposure problems

[ShutterbugFotos]

I scanned in a picture from an older photograph.  I used Photoshop CS6 to edit the picture a little bit.  The intent of this picture is to have the foreground be dark and the face of Half Dome be illuminated.  What can I do to improve this picture and not overdo it so it will be rejected again?

[Guest]

In my view, this image is not worth working on further. The sky is blown out, the foreground is too dark with no detail. There is nothing interesting. It is not a good image for publication. It appears soft to me Sorry.

[ShutterbugFotos]

Thanks for your input.  I am always trying to improve on my photography. 

[Guest]

Good for you Taking it positive. i suggest joining up wit Flickr and with Photographic Society of America as a way to have fun and learn further. All the best.

[v.poth · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I think there are more problems in the picture than just exposure. The whole picture has a lot of noise and nothing is really sharp. In the sky you can also see dust lint, which should always be retouched.

If I understand correctly, you have scanned in another photographer's photo. Here you have to pay attention:

"You're the originator of the photo (or the originator has been deceased for more than 70 years)"

The picture has so many image errors that I don't think you can correct them with an image processing so that it will be accepted.

You need a better processing basis, the scan has to be qualitatively much better.

Greets,

v.poth

[ShutterbugFotos]

I scanned in my photo I took years ago with a film camera. It is not the best scanner and any dust particles are scanned with it.

Sean