The Gate of Moria

Ok, im gonna be honest here, just doesnt really grab me. Technically, nearly perfect. The tree/branch and reflection of it are a big focus for me, and its pretty cool, but it occupies a tiny portion of the shot and everything else just doesnt gel with that focus. I see 5 distinct sections here, and the balance between them is good, but they dont work together or lead me around, they're just there. Dont get me wrong, its a totally cool scene, just doesnt connect with me the way most of your stuff does. But typically, the stuff i dont care for ends up with 60 positive comments, so don't despair!

Cool image, Kah. I like the underwater foreground, the light on the sand deposit, and the opening in background. Also like your crop.

Beautiful Kah! I love the way you can see the textures under the water. Looks like a tough exposure- great job with the overall balance of light.

Thoroughly enjoy the nuances of color and pattern and texture in your unique composition, which is exquisite by the way. Gives one the feeling of having reached a magic land after a long journey. The pano format works very well in the design of your composition.

The light is perfect here, Excellent exposure
I can notice that this picture is divided into ellipse shapes all over the scene

the mysterious forest poking though in the distance is very compelling. i might be tempted to tone down the rock in the lower left corner to further enhance the framing of that compelling area.

The big version is definitely a must. I like this for the quality of difference it brings. It speaks journey, discovery, and leaving one to think where this is. It's a hard comp for sure but I think you came up with a neat find. Im curious if you have any other shots from here, maybe in the water with that tea fg dominating the scene looking toward the opening?
Wonderful though Kah Kit

I like the scene very much. The different components work very well together to compose it.

Congrats

D&L

Thanks for the idea of a journey Anthony, because that is a feeling I get from the image too. I might change the title to reflect that. To answer your question, I do have a vertical version that's more creative and uses the limestone and river as stronger elements.

A very unusual composition and I must say I really like it.
The duality of colors at the bottom is really interesting and the arch creates a travel path on the top of the picture. I think arcs are the most powerful compositional elements in panoramic format and this one works really well.
The little branch in the middle of the water creates interest in the background.
And after a lot of blah blah I say it's fantastic

Wonderful exposure and processing. The large image really rocks.

Kah Kit,

Not only is this a beautiful image, but I find it so very intriguing. My question is what is the light source on the limestone?, water and far sand bank? I get the impression we're in a cave, but perhaps this is just an arch and you have light on both sides? very interesting to study where all the light may be coming from. Exposure, colors all excellent and yes, the big version is a must! I say well done!

Lon

Excellent work. I enjoy looking through this image. The large version is wonderful. I like what Anthony said about a journey. This makes me feel like I'm just ready to start on a long adventure, or just about ready to end one. I see it either way.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Loved the books and the movies. Especially the cinematography. Your blend works great and looks completely natural to me. I like that there is so much to explore with the eye. Ditto on the large version being a must see. Very well done.

Nice nice scene caught very well here Kah Kit.

This is really an amazing image here on many levels. Exposure, textures, and processing are spot on here.

I thought, ehhh nice image, when looking at the smaller. Then popped open the larger, and wow it really came to life! Spot on Kah Kit, beautifully simple.