Falls in shade

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Rick M

Senior Member
This morning I re-visited a spot to improve upon a shot I had taken last weekend. In my prior shot I noticed at about 10am the falls were in complete shade while the gorge was fully lit, creating an interesting shot. My intent was to return and expand upon that interesting effect. The major challenge I faced was the shooting in near opposition to the sun and slowing the shutter speed enough. I used a circular polarizer to reduce shutter speed and reflections. I do know that I need an ND filter to stack on as f18 is not desireable.

Areas I am working on and would like additional feedback on is highlight control in this type setting and the stacking of multiple filters for this type of subject (perhaps that is a seperate thread?). Any other tips for improvement welcomed!

Thanks!

D5100
Nikon 70-300 vr @70mm
1/6s, Iso 100, f18


DSC_0003_2371_tonemapped-3.jpg
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
TOTAL SCORE: 8/12

-1 Impact
-1 Composition
-1 Center of Interest
-1 Story Telling

For me at least, just about any photo that isn't conceptual and doesn't include people is going to automatically lose 2 points for Impact and Story Telling. That's not to take anything away from your photo, Rick (or anyone else's for that matter), it's just my interpretation of the 12 points.

I deducted for Center of Interest because there is a lot going on here, and my eye isn't "drawn in" to any one point and has difficulty navigating the scene. I deducted for Composition because in keeping with what I just said, I do not see or feel depth here. I'm not pulled into the scene. Perhaps a different angle such as off to the side or down lower to the ground would help?

Is this HDR? The colors are fantastically vibrant and the scene is full of detail. Be it the use of filters, software, or a combo of both, the results are very nice. The color control here is miles ahead of where you were when you first joined the site. I also admire your dedication to this spot, seeing something you want to capture here, and returning to it.

Kudos for being the brave one and the first to post under the new rules.
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
Thanks Anthony! I did forget to mention this is a one shot "simulated HDR" Which I guess is really just tone mapped.

I've found true HDR applied to flowing water with a slow shutter speed is just too much unnatural effect. The simulated approach gives me flexibility in processing while maintaining the integrity of the slow shutter effect on water.
 
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ohkphoto

ohkphoto

Snow White
TOTAL SCORE 9/12
-1 Center of Interest
-1 Composition
-1 Color Balance

Rick, this is really pretty stunning, which is why you lost no points in "impact". The detail is fantastic and the fact that you keep revisiting this place tells me that you are looking to capture something special, that you haven't gotten, yet.

Although I like the blue of the water, it's too much of a contrast to the rest of the picture. It almost seems like 2 different pictures in one. Add to that, the blue and the warm light meet almost in the center of the photo, almost bisecting it, which is why -1 in composition. Also, I think there is just too much in the picture (center of interest)

My eye is drawn to the little bit of light in the upper right-hand corner. It seems to add a little bit of balance to that side of the photo.

The reason I did not deduct for "storytelling" is that you have gone back to this place several times, so you see some kind of message or "story", even if it's a story of how water carves a ravine.

You can stack ND filters along with a polarizer to get the effect you want. For this photo, for the next time, I would offer these two suggestions:
1. try to get a little more interesting light on the falls . . .you have two different elements, water and land. The light should somehow connect/blend the two. The filters and HDR will help in highlight control, which really doesn't seem to be a problem here.
2. Really examine the area from all angles of shooting and experiment with composition. also, think about what exactly is the vision . . . the power of the water? Maybe a closer shot with more mist rising from the water (so the ND filters will help you capture that.)

What appeals to me the most is the right third of the photo in a portrait format. If you were to shoot from ground level (in front of the rock), in HDR, with ND filters, the big rock in front would lead the eye to the misty falls and up to the little bit of light at the top. This would give your photo dimension.

Keep up your excellent work, Rick. You're going for an special look, which shows me you're beginning to develop a style. And I also agree that you have grown in your skills, in leaps and bounds, since you joined. I always look forward to your posts.

Hope I made sense. I wish I had these kind of falls here . . . sigh.
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
Thank you Helene!

I do see the point you and Anthony make about the center of interest, there is allot going on and some natural clutter at the base of the falls (maybe I'll sneak in some night and clean it up :)). I think I will take another stab at this trying to pick up more light highlights as the area transitions between direct sunlight and shade. I Really need to pick up a ND.

Thanks again, I learn a little more each visit and from everyone's insight here.
 
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pedroj

Senior Member
Total Score is 10 out 12

-1 Technical excellence
-1Composition

On the point of "tech ex" the blueing effect in the falls is a little un natural and could be toned down a little..

"Composition" I feel if it had been cropped a little off the left and the bottom would add to it....

I am no expert but overall I love it and think you have done very good job..I think you have chosen a very difficult subject "sun to shade"...

Cheers Alan

PS wouldn't mind sitting and having a beer there...
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
Thanks Alan!

I'm finding I need to be a bit careful in increasing the overall color saturation, in making everything else more vibrant, it's effecting the water. For some reason it looks more blue here than in lightroom, I think it has something to do with the image being compressed? Seems smaller on here more than normal also, wondering if something was changed in the way uploads are handled to this site, or maybe I sized it too small.

Funny thing is I was helping some "beginners" and stressed the importance of taking different angles and perspectives, here I am with one head-on shot :(. Sometimes I need to slow down and "focus"!
 
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