The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Here is another intimate scene of Elakala Falls in Blackwater Falls SP in WV. Mike and I had the falls to ourselves that evening as everyone seemed to clear out around 5 PM; almost as though the dinner bell went off at the lodge beckoning everyone to a warm meal. Needless to say that suited us just fine as I could wait as long as I did not have to worry about people getting in the way. I was quite happy with the intimate scenes I captured that evening so I have a couple more to share with everyone. I hope everyone does not get too bored.
Specific Feedback
Does the vertical pano format work? I cropped some from the left side as I think the flow is a little better balanced with the crop. Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon Z 7, Nikon Z 24-200 @ 200 mm, f 11 @ 0.5 sec, ISO 200, Kase magnetic CPL, cable release & tripod.
This is a moving photo. Passes the test: yes, I would put it on my wall. And being vertical oriented makes it easier to find a space in the house. But on a more serious note, the photo pulls me in. The size of the waterfall is deceptive, initially appearing to be large but on closer inspection a small cascade of water falling on moss laden rocks. It takes one from what is assumed to be a large waterfall to an intimate scene. Very well done. Your chosen shutter speed seems perfect for the capture.
@Ed_Lowe, this is a lovely waterfall image. I agree with the others about the shutter speed. Perfect! And the vertical works well. The view (I don’t know how large this waterfall is) reminds me of one of my favorite waterfalls here in the Asheville area — Pearson’s Falls in Saluda. There is a shelf, much like the one here, with algae and other plant-life growing behind the fall. Sadly, the park and waterfall were badly damaged during Hurricane Helene, so it hasn’t been possible to visit since then. They’re working to restore it and hope to reopen it this summer.
Very nice work. I like this stretched out look of the falling water. I also liked your decision to crop at the top not at the straight line but at the champagne glass shapes. Having the interior shadows dark also is an improvement I my opinion. Well thought out composition. I don’t know how to improve this. Maybe play with the coloring. This is almost a b&w image. Maybe try making it so.
Ed, this is perfect as a vertical. The thin streams at the top are well balanced across the frame. Their tapered shapes contrast well with the horizontal splashes and green rocks at the bottom. See the rocks behind the falls is a good touch also. This feels very pleasantly contemplative (kind of like your description of the event… )
This all comes together nicely Ed, and the pano format works just fine. I, too, don’t have a lot to offer in suggestions. Maybe burn down those little bright areas along the edges?
This is gorgeous Ed. I love the vertical pano. It gives me a sense of suspended motion along with the gradation from nearly black and white to color. Time stands still in this waterfall! No suggestions from me. It feels perfect.
Ed, the pano crop perfectly accentuates the dainty tendrils of the cascading water. I like how you cropped the top with the v/ pyramid ? shaped sections whether it was done in camera or post. Great eye to pick out thgis section.
It’s a photograph—let it stand as it is, nothing added, nothing changed. Congratulations on capturing something unusual, a moment that steps outside the usual standards.
The contrast of vertical lighter tendrils with/against horizontal darker shades behind, adds a depth and a mystery to what “appears” to lie behind a sheer curtain of cascading water ;
It lures the viewer in. Then the softer splash hitting the darker mossy rocks below “grounds” snd balances the whole composition at the same time. i spent several moments savoring the different aspects of this marvelous photo, the sort of image one wants to return to again and again. It leaves an “imprint” beyond the eye, as an invitation to revisit. Well done!
Intriguing composition… it really pulls you in. I agree that it looks best in portrait. I wonder what this would look like in B&W? It’s a lot of the way there anyway. Great shot either way!
I like the vertical pano format, I think it is quite appropriate to change the format proportions to fit the composition, rather than be limited to the standard proportions. The various water streams balance out nicely throughout the image and the splash of green color sets off the otherwise B&W elements. You get a good 3D feel as well with the black rocks behind the falls. Beautiful shot, can’t wait to see more!
I’m not usually a big fan of waterfall photos, but this I love. It’s such a unique take on a waterfall. I really like how you’ve made it an abstract image with no indication of size and scale. The tonal range is excellent and the green makes it pop. Very nicely done.
I’d like to thank everyone @Kent_Bossange, @Don_Peters, @Susanna_Euston, @Igor_Doncov, @Mark_Seaver, @John_Williams, @Marylynne_Diggs, @Michael_Lowe, @bernhard, @michel1, @tom.marin, @Scott_Fricke and @Chris_Baird for taking a moment of your time to leave your thoughts on this image as it is always appreciated. This little intimate scene is definitely one of my top five favorites from Elakala Falls.
Susanna : Sorry to hear about the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Hopefully it will be open this summer for you to visit as it sounds like a wonderful place.
Igor : I will play around with that and see what I can come up with.
Scott : I have a couple more although I don’t like them as well as the first two.
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