The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The Basin is a geological feature found in Franconia Notch SP in the White Mountains of NH. This large pothole in the Pemigewasset River is 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep. It had it’s beginnings some 25,000 years ago as the ice age was coming to an end. Over the following thousands of years stones and sand were swirled around by the river causing this scouring action on the granite bedrock leaving this unique formation. After viewing this pothole in 1839 Henry David Thoreau remarked “this pothole is perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England”. I tend to agree as it is a fascinating place to explore and photograph. For the sake of honesty I did add just a little rock in the URC as I did not want to crop down any farther.
Specific Feedback
Do I need to play around with the whites a little more? Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon D 700, Nikon 17-35 @ 22 mm, f 18 @ 2 sec, ISO 400, cable release & tripod
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is quite dramatic and shows the power of flowing water. The tones look great to me. In the small image it appears the whites of the water near the light-toned rock on the right look a tad hot but, in the large version there is detail there, so no need to rework that spot. I like how the “z” curve of the water draws one into the image.
Nice one Ed. Also interesting history and geographical lesson. This really brings out the swirling action created by the “bowl.” Great composition. Hope you don’t mind, I thought the whites, excluding the area you’re talking about could use a little more boost. I also added a very tiny bit of contrast. You missed a couple very tiny dust spots in the FG water. I didn’t see them till I blew the image up to 300%. Looking at it after I posted it, maybe I didn’t do such a good job. Great photo. I like the B&W.
Great picture! The S curve works well, the B&W sounds the right way to go, and one can feel the running waters… Yes, maybe a little more light in the whites, but not too much to destroy the overall balance, It must be a wonderful place, by the way. Much too much I do not visit NH…
Ed, a really neat find here for sure. I think your disclosure about the additional rock is totally understood and a plus in providing more area there. I do think @Michael_Lowe 's adjustments show merit. I could see some playing around with contrast a bit…composition works just fine as is…
Many thanks everyone @Preston_Birdwell, @Michael_Lowe, @John_Williams, @Antonello_Provenzale and @Paul_Breitkreuz for your thoughtful C&C as it is always appreciated. Here is a rework with your suggestions; I added a little contrast, played around with the highlights a little more by brightening some and darkening others. Took care of a couple of dust spots mentioned by my brother. I think it is getting closer. Any thoughts?
Ed, looks fine on my monitor. If it looks too hot you might try just turning down the Gamma adjustment slightly to see if that tames the look and feels better overall.
Maybe just bit, especially in the areas adjacent to and just below the near rock. Don’t feel bad. I struggle with tonality in whitewater every time!
-P
