The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is an older image from my archive. The Merced was at near peak flow. The bright new green contrasted with the darker forest and the color of the water was wonderful.
Specific Feedback
Any comments regarding the color, contrast, or composition are always welcome.
I would have preferred a shorter shutter speed but had to take what I could get to maintain good DOF.
Technical Details
Chamonix 4x5
Fujinon 135 mm
f-22 @ 2s
Velvia 100
1,800 dpi Microtek scan processed in PS.
-P
This is lovely. I shared it over coffee with some friends I was staying with, and it got three oohs and aaahs.
What I love about it is the color of those fresh green leaves, a hint of light at the top of the tree, and then that water: both the color of the water (in contrast to the spring green) and the effect of your shutter speed, not to mention the sense of undulation. Really a nice image for the wall, a magazine cover, a Yosemite hiking book, you name it! I have zero suggestions.
The colors are just marvelous. The strong different between the yellow greens and the blue greens behind gives the tree a spotlight effect. Actually based on the ground below there does seem to be light on that tree but it must be pretty diffused. Perhaps this is Spring. The newly formed leaves always stand out against the firs. It’s like that right now here in Oregon.
Hi Preston,
The new spring greens on that tree are flat out gorgeous and I love the way they stand out against the darker greens of the BG trees. Your chosen SS works just fine for me as there are enough details in the water for my tastes. I also quite like the soft subtle light and the peaceful vibe of this scene. I could see myself sitting on the bank and listening to the water flow by. Beautifully done; no suggestions from me.
This is a nice calming photo. I do wonder which part is intended to be the center of attention, the tree or the white water. Cropping it square to remove most of the water makes the tree the focus - as may well darkening the white areas of the water, leaving the water for context. Darkening the tree promotes the water. To me, having both dominating seems to divide the impact.
Fantastic photo! The fresh new leaves on that maple just grab the attention and holds it. It seems like its just glowing! Shutter speed on the water is excellent as well holding both detail and action. I miss working with my 4x5, do you?
Preston, the bright green leaves have a fine glow relative to all their surroundings with their yellow greens standing out from the dark greens around them. Both sets of green are set off well by the blue tones in the water. It’s restful, very inviting scene.
@Youssef_Ismail I do miss working with my 4x5. I still have my complete kit and some long-expired film, and I’ve often thought about stepping back in. The problem is film is nearly $10/sheet, and processing labs are few and far between. The least expensive I have found is $6/sheet, not including shipping. So, you see my dilemma here.
@Igor_Doncov Early mornings in the valley the sunlight is reflected off the surrounding granite walls. That’s what provided the diffuse lighting here.
-P
@Preston_Birdwell, I am in the same boat. I have all my large format gear, and some film in cold storage and even some exposed sheets that are stored because I can’t get myself to spend that much for a photo. I have been thinking about doing B&W and process it myself in processing cans.
I opened this one and said “Oh wow!” As has been noted, the colors are wonderful. The contrasting greens steal the show and really set that tree off; it looks like it has a spotlight on it. There’s just enough red in the trees for contrast, and I love the texture you caught in that stream, I’m not sure if shorter would have been better because this works really well to set up the beauty above it.
Thanks to all for your kind comments on this one. Feedback on one’s work is the hallmark of NPN’s long history of being one of the best photography sites on the Web.
I’m very late to the party on this one but I had to say something. Most has already been said but WOW, this is such a gorgeous scene, Preston! As others have noted, the lighting on that one Maple is stunning. With almost everything else in shadow it really makes that tree pop. The new Spring growth is just the icing on the cake. I usually like a little bit more texture in water but this one works fine in this scene as it’s not really about the water. Sensational and congrats on the well deserved EP! This is a stand out image.
