When Ed and I go to WV we always drop b y this spot on the trail to Elakala Falls to check on the condition of this area and see if any photos can still be had. I got this shot in 2018, but unfortunately nowadays more and more moss is missing from the roots. Don’t know if that’s from natural processes or people walking on them. I suspect it’s the latter, cause this is right off the trail and is an eye magnet, or at least, was.
Mike, the lush green mosses show beautifully against the warm browns of the fallen leaves. I also like how the tangle of roots move diagonally into the frame. I do wonder how dodging the lower right would look. Sad how the photographic world finds a fine spot and then tramples it…
With some time to burn, I went ahead and tested my idea. The changes were all done with mid-tone dodging, mostly in the darker areas (right side) but also to brighten some of the mossy roots in the lower left.
Hi Mike,
You know that I have always loved this image from the first time you showed it to me. I just wish I had gotten an image of this little magical spot before the carnage began from careless idiots. The lush greens make this scene look like something right out of a fairy tale. I do like the rework by @Mark_Seaver because it made an outstanding image even better. Just as an FYI for everyone here is the same spot from 2022. Fastforward to 2025 and it looks even worse.
Ed, comparing your view to Mike’s, the wear and tear in the lower left stands out. The other thing that strikes me, is how different the mood feels with your brighter version…
