Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.
Questions to guide your feedback
Does your imagination see ghostly veiled figures, or is it just me?
Other Information
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Image Description
This is a photo that I took after I had photographed it from all directions with my wide angle lens. I switched to my 70-200 and started photographing the details of the falls, primarily micro scenes of the water veiled rocks with rhythmic cascading patterns. The soft flow of the water created a soft image. I wanted to keep the soft feel of the photo in my processing.
This really seemed to me to be a great candidate for black and white as there wasn’t a whole lot over color anyway.
Technical Details
Shutter - 1/3 sec
Aperture - f/13
ISO 100
Processed in LR and finished in PS
I converted the photo to black and white, adjusted the brightness and contrast in LR, then added a thin Ortonish layer. The processing was pretty quick and basic.
Specific Feedback
Feedback on emotional impact and artistic value would be cool as well as feedback on technical aspects of creating, processing, composition etc.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I certainly see the figures. They appear to be wearing hooded garments. The ones in the lower region have their backs turned and are looking up to the larger ones who appear to be revered elders. Wonderful find and well presented.
This is wonderful, Gary. And yes, I do see the figures. Your shutter speed is spot on as the water has retained some nice texture. Also loving the contrast with bright highlilghts and dark shadows. It’s a minor detail, but both of the rocks angling up at each bottom corner perfectly anchor this scene. I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but either way, I love it.
Hi Brett! Thank you. Thanks for mentioning the shutter speed. I try to keep my shutter under a second unless there’s a need for a super long exposure. As you mentioned, it retains the texture of the flowing water.
The little rocks at the bottom just fell into place. I start wide and then start moving in until I like how it feels. If I can find some sort of natural vignette I’ll use it.
Ghostly, indeed! This is nicely executed, and the shutter speed was perfect. The image has a full range of tones that make this very appealing. I do have one very minor concern: The bright area in the ULC catches my eye. Other than that small nit, this is quite wonderful, Gary.
-P
What a beautiful and intimate cascade scene. Honestly I didn’t see the “ghostly figures” right away; I was kinda looking for faces and some creature variations… but then I finally see, and now can’t unsee… The best description I can come up with will date me, but I see a whole family of “Cousin It” from the Addam’s Family. Or figurines in heavy cloaks - such as the Sand People in Star Wars… (hmmm, too many tv/movie references…)
Regardless of the ghostly figures, this is just stunning! Perfect exposure and shutter speed producing wonderful textures in the cascades. I also like that the scene is framed on sides and bottom with the darker rocks not under a ghostly veil.
The ONLY suggestion I have echo’s Preston’s comment about the ULC. Maybe just a slight burn. Certainly not an image killer.
Great to see this and we look forward to more and your participation!
I did not actually see these figures initially but after scanning the scene looking for them I can see several. Is it my overactive imagination after being told you saw them? I don’t know but I see them now. My favorites are along the left side of the image although I do find the “hooded ghosts” at the bottom kind of cute. I really love the framing and composition you’ve chosen for this scene. The dark rocks along the bottom and both side keep the eyes in the center of the frame to enjoy the perfectly detailed water flowing down over those rocks. Your shutter speed was perfect. Just enough texture for my liking creating a very moody image. The ULC could use a careful burn to match the rest of the scene but otherwise, I have not nits. Exceptional image Gary. Good to see you back posting again.
I definitely see the ghosts - quite a mesmerizing image! Perfect SS, and great in B&W.
I’m a little uncomfortable with the bottom of the falls being cut off and so much at the top.
It would be an unconventional crop, but I’d suggest including the bottom of the falls and possibly a little more on each side.
Wonderful image!
Hi Gary,
Moody and mysterious; I am loving this. The B&W processing works beautifully for this scene and the darker tones only enhance that mood. Your SS choice also works perfectly and has created some lovely misty atmospherics. The shape most prominent to me is the larger one towards the URC. My only suggestion would be the already mentioned brightness in the ULC. Very nicely done.
I echo @Ed_Lowe the black and white and play of the Grey is really astounding here. Additionally I like the tight framing. Feels like the falls are bursting from the frame. I sadly don’t get the hooded figures vibe.. but even without I love the image.. Kudos
Hi Preston. It’s great to hear from you. Thank you. That bright spot could be subdued. I’ll go back and revisit this raw file. That was where the sun was bleeding into the shadows. I like to keep my shutter slow enough that you feel the motion mut don’t lose the detail in the water. Thank you my friend!
@Lon_Overacker Definitely Cousin It and his family. Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it. I’m going to go back and reprocess this with that light bleed in mind.
@David_Haynes Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful words. I really appreciate it. I’m going to go back and reprocess this with that light bleed in the ULC in mind. I’ll come back and post in this thread.
@Sandy_Richards-Brown I’ll go back and see if I cropped this one in post. I’m really bad at trying to get the comp in the field. I will admit though, shooting a little wider to give room for even a small crop in post can be useful. I’ll be reprocessing this one and will keep your suggestions in mind.
@Ed_Lowe Hi Ed! I really appreciate your kind word. I will be addressing the corner when I reprocess this. I’ll return with an edited version soon.
@freddie I did way to many drugs when I was young I guess. I really appreciate your comment. Thank you sincerely.
Mystery. Anthropomorph rocks under cascading water; the rocks in the lower part “turn” their backs towards the viewer, and their overlapping figures gives the impression of depth and movement into the frame. Here they are “countered” by a larger figure in the upper part, bending slightly over. This clash is emphasized by the high contrast at the center of the frame. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jim.
The best description I can come up with will date me, but I see a whole family of “Cousin It” from the Addam’s Family. Or figurines in heavy cloaks - such as the Sand People in Star Wars… (hmmm, too many tv/movie references…)
Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it. I’m going to go back and reprocess this with that light bleed in mind. 
I really appreciate your comment. Thank you sincerely.