I Could Sit Here Forever (+revised)

Image Critiques
1

Revised Version

Revision 1 (latest)

Revised version
Revised version2298Ă—1658 1.79 MB

What changed: I simply added a Hue/Sat adj layer to the top of the stack, masked and painted just the color/green in the main flow of the river.

Added after receiving feedback from the community.

Original Version

I Could Sit Here Forever
I Could Sit Here Forever2298Ă—1615 1.87 MB

Additional image 1
Additional image 12298Ă—1658 1.79 MB

Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical

About This Image

And then there was Happy Isles. Here was a place and occasion where the overcast conditions afforded us time and opportunity to photograph here. Typically, you must get there early in the morning before the sun bleaches area. Just a short 10 min walk from my campsite and this was the spot I stopped at first. I believe others from our group stopped here and I know @David_Haynes has a beautiful image from this very location - and his view is quite amazing. I sure hope he posts that one.

Here’s a question for anyone who wants to ponder: Which do you prefer? The almost white-noise sound of a mountain stream, babbling brook, raging river OR the sound of the rhythmic waves and pounding surf of the ocean?

Happy Isles is a special place for me. The Title here is quite literal.

Feedback Requested

The first photo is the one I intended posting. The composition is pretty generic, but I think balanced pretty well. The second one I’ve added to see your preference. I really like the elongated stretch of river in the second photo.

We’ve noticed the almost outrageous spring greens. How are they depicted here? Which of the two do you prefer and why? There’s a footbridge more visible in the first, is that a distraction?

As always, your comments, critique and feedback welcome!

Technical Details

Camera: NIKON Z 8
Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Focal length: 49mm
Shutter speed: 1/4s
Aperture: f/16
ISO: 50

Processing software: ACR/PS - TK Panel
Major adjustments:
Blending/stacking: 1st image is basically a 2-image focus stack. But also, a 3rd image, or I should say pieces of it, were blended in for a few spots in the water that were blown out. I guess you could say a very real “content-aware” fill using another frame.

I’m pretty sure the 2nd image is a straight, single frame
Other notes:

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Hi Lon,
Both lovely images. Regarding your first question, I prefer the sound of a stream or river, raging or babbling. I have been known to tire of the sound of the ocean. I stayed near the beach in Hawaii once and was like, “geez, I wish that ocean would be quiet.” It literally kept me awake. We moved from Kona to Hilo, and I was much happier.

As for the question of the two compositions, I don’t think I can decided. They are very different in their impact and effect on me. The first is a stream I too could sit by forever, and the second one, well, I would move further back. It’s got more energy and feels a bit less controlled (stream-wise). I think the two images give us a lovely sense of the place and its peace and power.

Nicely done,
ML

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Hi Lon,
Both images are quite lovely; but since you asked; I am really liking the second one. They both have different moods, at least for me. The first scene is more peaceful and relaxing while the second is more dramatic and energetic. The spring greens look rich and vibrant; just as they should be IMO. I also quite like your SS choice as you have some nice details and textures in the stream and they work really well in the longer version of the stream.All three of those options sound good to me; but my favorite is the rhythmic waves rolling cobble stones in Acadia NP. I also quite like the sound of rain on the roof. Everyone should have a happy spot to just chill and relax and it seems you have found yours. Beautifully done!

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I am also voting for the second image, Lon. It is more expansive and the longer cascade in the FG leads my eye into the scene.

Although the light was very neutral here, but I am wondering if you might consider altering the color balance of the water in the second one to add a little blue since the leading cascade is a tad on the green side.

The leaves and the trees look perfect.

I always loved wandering around Happy Isles, and I always was amazed that moving a short distance upstream from the main path one could find solitude amongst the hordes.

Both images a nicely done, sir!
-P

5

Lon: I’ll take one of each please. No strong preference for either image but I do love the ocean. I was exposed to the Oregon coast when I was growing up. We lived in Indiana but my mom’s parents lived in Oregon and owned a beach house in Yachats. I would go down on the rocks with Freck, my grandfather’s German Shorthair. I would watch the surf and Freck would chase the seagulls. Neither of us tired of the experience. Glad you have a place of your own. >=))>

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Which do I prefer you ask? When I’m at mountain stream I prefer the mountain stream. When I’m at the ocean, I prefer the ocean. :slight_smile: I always try to be present where ever I am both in terms of time and location.

Back to your image though… I really like it. It looks like a fantastic place and your photo really does it justice. I prefer your first image because I find more interest in the foreground in that one.

7

The original poster added a revised version of their image.

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Thank you so much @mary , @Ed_Lowe , @Preston_Birdwell , @Bill_Fach and @Tom_Nevesely for taking the time to leave a comment and offer your thoughts and suggestions.

I’m glad you mostly like the second one better, and I understand why. I may have to agree. I really like the water flowing so strongly in the second and I agree it certainly has more energy to it.

Thanks Preston! I can’t argue and have added a revised edition. It’s subtle, and rather than add blue, I simply desaturated the colors (all, not just green). I’ve always liked the greens coming through in the Merced, although I think you’re right, it came out a little strong in that one area.

Thanks Tom, can’t argue with that! One thing not considered in the question, were the other factors - like smell - for some, you either love or hate the salty smell at the ocean; it is most distinct. Mountain air, so much more crisp.
Personally, I give the edge to mountains and mountain streams. My wife prefers the ocean. Hence, we live near neither… ha ha!

Thanks again everyone!

9

Lon, I’ll be the odd one here and say that I slightly prefer the simplicity of the first view. Both are great views. I too can sit for hours by a rushing mountain stream watching and listening to the water go by… The Ocean has a very similar pull for me, but it’s a lot harder to get to. The bright spring greens and the rocks in the foreground add a lot to the sense of being there, enjoying.

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I like them both at a distance. The roar of a crashing wave is nice when I’m far away. I can hear it from my home in Baja and it’s good but when I camp on the beach it’s too much. I’m talking about Pacific rollers. When it comes to river a gurgling stream is as good as it gets. Another words, a sound now an then (as opposed to Niagra Falls, lol).

I’ve been at Happy Isles many times. Aptly named. I get more positive vibes from it than the Merced in the valley. Actually I used to think that rivers had personalities. Same as people. The Merced in the Valley is a much calmer being. And the Tuolumne has yet a different personality, up in the Meadows.

I prefer the first image. I think the water is rendered a bit better in it. The closer water in the second version has lost a bit too much detail. I also agree with Preston about rendering this a bit cooler although the rocks really look about natural. I should really download and try to see if that would look good.

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2nd shot with the wider bank to invite, well as much as rocks can invite, sitting. To me it has more tranquillity and an openness that I don’t get from the first that is mostly rushing water. Oh sure they both have rushing water, but the first has no room for me.

12

Lon, I much prefer the first image. I could sit there forever too.

“The streams of the mountains please me more than the sea.” (Guantanamera.)

13

I’m late again! I relate best to a softly burbling stream, with its random ups and downs in structure, pitch and tempo. But the Merced in spring will do nicely for a place to sit awhile. For me, it’s the first, and trying to figure out why. The water is more immediate, right at my feet, and the group of trees on the peninsula is a lovely mini-scene and all the leafy branches feel more balanced in the composition. But those are small and individualistic points – I wouldn’t decline an invitation to sit a while at either location! Maybe the best option is one halfway in between?

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