The timing of the WC is perfect given that I just spent 4 days along the Merced… I didn’t have plans to post this anywhere - at least until the WC came up.
I always stop by this spot coming and going from the park. Myself and others have photographed and posted many images from here. There’s a ginormous boulder that I usually will sit on and have a few zen moments… just listening and feeling the roar and power of the river.
This image I expect is an example of how it means so much more for those who get to experience the scene, rather than just look at a photograph of it. Just for reference, I’m reposting from a few years ago the same rock/scene, only the b&w version was taking in the fall when the water levels are low. This spring and just along this stretch of river, there were no boulders or rocks visible - just overrun with the spring run off.
Anyway, thought this was a good one for the WC. As always, comments and suggestions welcome.
(If this is a composite, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
Nikon D800E, 28-300mm @85mm f/25 1/5s iso 50 and I believe I had a variable ND filter on. This was mid-day, bright, bright light on white water. Took a lot of stops to get the shutter speed slow enough for some motion.
Wow Lon, that’s quite a seasonal deluge. The upstream placement of the big rock works well for the outflow. The baseline shutter speed for my moving water images at closer range like this is around 1/4 second, similar to this. I really like the processing of your reference photo as well.
Darn, I forgot my kayak. Really nice look at this turbulent flow in the Merced River. One could certainly make an argument for the black-and-white version based on the texture and the water however I like them both.
Both are beautiful, but I have to say that I am loving that B&W vertical, Lon. It has a great range of tones along with some wonderful details in the rushing water of the Merced. The water action does a masterful job of taking me through the frame. Beautifully done; no nits from me.
I agree with everybody here that these are amazing. And since I am a sucker for B&W, I like what Harley did, too. Just endless possibilities here, Lon.
Lon: I’m a color junkie (even subtle ones ) so I prefer your new image. Love the SS choice and the muted color palette especially. I can sit and watch water flows like this and waves for hours and never get enough. Looks like a beautiful place to enjoy some peace. >=))>
Lon, I paddled a canoe through one of these yesterday. We made it, but took about 8 inches of water into our canoe… This does a fine job of capturing the power of fast water racing over and around a big rock. I especially like the bit of “jump” that there along the bottom of the big step.
