The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Although this image of The Basin was captured in 2014 it still remains as one of my favorites of this geological wonder. It’s formation began approximately 25,000 years ago as the Ice Age was coming to a close and the glacial meltwater started carving out the granite bedrock. Over the ensuing thousands of years the force of the Pemigewasset River swirling stones and sand around created this pothole measuring 30’ in diameter and 15’ deep. I was drawn to the zigzag created as the Pemi entered the scene in the ULC and exited out the LRC. I felt that the conversion to B&W emphasized the raw power of the forces that created this natural piece of artwork.
Specific Feedback
How do the whites of the water look? I tried to tone them down without making them to grey looking? Anything else you notice please feel free to mention it.
Technical Details
Nikon D700, Nikon 17-35 @ 22 mm, f 18 @ 2 secs, ISO 400, CPL, cable release & tripod.
It’s a beautiful scene. The water looks fantastic. Open shutter lengths of 0.4 - 2 seconds are always nice when one wants to retain some texture. I’m a fan of the water’s S curve. I do find there is some room to brighten the water without blowouts.
I would like to suggest burning the rocks at the upper right corner and right edge. The drama between the moving water and the pool surface / upper left rocks is wonderful; I think we need matching drama on the right side of the image.
At the risk of being annoying, maybe this? Keeping in mind I like drama in B&W images…
I can see why you’re drawn to this scene, Ed. The curve of the white water is gorgeous and the smooth curves of the rocks are so indicative of water wear. I could see the appeal of Gary’s edit, though I think it loses the character of the rocks in the interests of art. It all depends on what you’re looking to convey in the image and the decision to portray it in black and white is already a significant departure from reality.
Ed, this works very well at showing both the moving water and the stationary stone. I love “pot holes” and the water pusing small stones grinds out nicely smooth basins. The water looks fine as there is some texture showing in the flow. I like that you’ve included the change in flow at the bottom of the frame. (In the largest view, I notice two small dust spots near the bottom…)
Thanks so much guys @Gary_Hook, @Dennis_Plank and @Mark_Seaver for taking a moment to leave your thoughts on this image; always appreciated.
Gary : Not annoying at all. Thanks for taking the time to do a rework with your suggestions.
Mark : Thanks for catching those dust spots. I somehow missed them.
A beautiful intimate waterfall Ed, and that wonderful s-curve water flow provides an excellent flow for the eye as well.
I like @Gary_Hook’s version too, and was curious how a direct comparison would look so I stacked them in Photoshop to compare. What I found is that I prefer his version for the parts right of the flow of white water, and your version to the left of it. His version boxes the water in more by darkening those rocks, and helps keep the eye flowing with the water. Your version has better shadow detail in those darker areas. Anywho, just some additional thoughts to play with.
This is lovely, Ed. I thought I had commented on it before the lion’s head image, but I must have decided to save it for a pc rather than iphone comment. I really love the combination of sculpted stone and rushing water, and the shutter speed is about perfect. I do like Gary’s suggested increase in contrast above. It gives it a more artistic feel, imho, but I tend to like darker black and white images.
Is the foreground rock in this the same one as in the Lion’s Head image? It has so similar a shape and texture, so I find myself peeking around the corner for the other image.
ML
Ed. You really captured your vision in this image. The water is moving and you can feel that energy. The Tone is so good and works perfect in B&W. No changes needed …Both examples work really nice.
John: I will have to play around with that as I think that may work.
Marylynne: I believe they are both granite, but the locations were about half an hour apart.
