Before/after comparison: overedited photo

Time for another before/after comparison. Today straight-out-of-the-camera RAW file vs. finished edited image. Comparing the too you might get the impression that I "over edited" the original shot. However, bear in mind that SOOC file was developed with default ACR settings and I even didn't correct white balance for it (upon closer inspection you will notice unpleasant blue cast especially in the shadows in the lower part of the image). This means that the image is flatter, less contrasty and less saturated than the scene really was.

Finished image in turn looks more like the scene I remember. Of course it doesn't mean the scene looked exactly that way. No. This is just the way I saw it. When developing images, it is essential to try to recreate the scene, image you saw. Not to try to portray reality in the way everyone perceives it. This way your images will be unique.

EXIF data:
Camera: Canon 5D MK II
Lens: Canon 24-105 f/4 L IS USM
Focal length: 100 mm
Aperture: f/9.0
Exposure time: 1/250
ISO: 500
Number of exposures: 1
E.V. Step: n/a
Flash used: no
Tripod used: no
Filters used: circular polarizing filter
Software: Magic Lantern 2.3, Lightroom 4.2, Photoshop CS5