I am adding another version after I edited following what was suggested. I cooled down the image, reduced highlighs and white overall and burned some of the brightest parts of the image. I also cropped a little to make it less busy. Tell me what you think. Thanks
I was in rocky mountain national park doing a beautiful hike between lakes when I got to this spot where everyone was standing on a rock taking pictures. The only thing I saw was this small puddle or oils that created these wonderful colors and shapes. So I snuck behind everyone to focus on this scene. People looked at me like I am weird but I didn’t care. I remembered seeing similar images by jennifer renwik and always wanted to make a similar find.
Feedback Requests
Any feedback is welcome as it is different from what I usually shoot. The one thing I am wondring about is the weird bubbles that look like spit. I have no idea how they formed and am wondering if they add to the image or detract from it.
Tamar: Interesting find and a solid capture. If you had not pointed out the bubbles I don’t think I would have remarked on them and I still don’t. They’re basically a non-issue. Being weird is not so bad when it comes to photography. I’ve had many folks look on puzzling what I’m shooting until I let them see the viewfinder. Good vision; good result. >=))>
PS: RMNP is one of my favorite places on the planet. Which lakes were you exploring?
I don’t think I’m getting this one. I see an abstract design for sure with the white-ish swirls, but I don’t have any idea what it may be (the swirls that is.) To me, this looks like partially frozen water where all kinds of debris has collected - the fresh green pine sprigs, needles and other parts of trees that have likely blown/fallen here. I’m not 100% sure, but just off center (up and right from center) is a white triangular shape and I swear it looks like a torn page from a magazine or newspaper! I can see your attraction to the scene, but I think there’s a bit too much going on.
Technically, the white stuff seems overly bright and a bit washed out. The color balance is a bit warm too(subjective of course.)
I think a good case for those situations where the photographer capturing the moment certainly experienced magic, but it doesn’t always translate to the viewer.
Thank you bill. I also really love RMNP. My favorite national park. the picture is from emerald lake (which you get to on an amazing trail from bear lake).
Tamar, you’ve got an interesting mix of flowing lines and scattered shapes here. I agree with Lon, that it’s too bright. I also think that pulling down the lower half of the tone curve would let the scattered leaves, pine needles, etc. stand out more. The bubbles are likely to have been formed by water splashing into the area. When there’s a lot of “oily” stuff on the surface they can last for hours.
HUGE difference! This looks so much better. All the artifacts (ok, debris) stand out so much nicer with the bright areas toned down. Thanks for taking the time to consider the feedback and repost!
