Spring at Cedar Run

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 13, 2011342 views12 comments

Hi Folks,

Here's a shot I'm working on. Taken today, it is a stitch of 3 horizontal images. I've been visiting this floodplain for a couple years now trying to get something that represents the beauty of the spring Virginia bluebells and the nature of the floodplain together. It is a chaotic forest, but I've yet to learn to capture the beauty of the chaos. So I looked for a simplified view.

Your critique and comments are most welcome.

Nikon D2X, Sigma F2.8, 24-70mm, @40mm, 1/2s, f13, ISO 100. Processed in ACR & CS2. Levels, curves, contrast & minor sat bump.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Shane McDermott on April 14, 2011 at 12:14 AM

I really like the comp of this pano. But I think you could get a whole lot more out of it. Personally I would look at increasing the dynamic range, especially by deepening the shadows, and increasing saturation throughout. Of course this might not jive with your tastes, but it is beautiful as is though.

Shane

Registered on November 12, 2007, 49 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on April 14, 2011 at 10:54 AM

Very pretty Julia. I do agree with Shane as to increasing dynamic range, but the saturation level looks just fine to me. That's all subjective of course. Beautifully captured.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on April 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM

I like the feeling of this image. The light is very nice and I like the comp. of the image. This gives the feeling of early morning in the eastern woods.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on April 14, 2011 at 11:36 AM

The pano works well, Julie. The broad expanse of bluebells framed in the sweeping river is a nice feeling. I agree with giving it a little more dynamic range in the trees, though. Very nice work.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Peter May on April 14, 2011 at 12:18 PM

I love it. I grew up in Manassas, and still bird and photograph the Bristow area every time I get home. This captures the essence of the Cedar Run floodplain beautifully for me.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 7 Posts, 239 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on April 14, 2011 at 3:56 PM

very beautiful scene.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM

Julie, I really like this. It is a beautiful and well done image. I think you really captured the feel of this place, and the panoramic format worked wonderful here. I very much enjoyed looking at the larger version. I agree with Shane on a little more dynamic range, but the large version does look nice as you have it...so. Nice work and wonderful picture!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Justin Peterson on April 14, 2011 at 9:32 PM

I love going back to a place over and over again to conquer the quest of capturing the essence of it the way your eyes see it. I love this image. DR looks great to me on my screen...I wouldn't change a thing.

Registered on January 20, 2008, 33 Posts, 298 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on April 14, 2011 at 10:18 PM

Excellent, Julie. these scenes are difficult and I think your idea works well. I would increase midtone contrast a little.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Julia Flanagan on April 14, 2011 at 11:26 PM

Well, I decided to play with levels and color balance a little and came up with this reworking. I toned down the warmth a bit, brought the light tones up a bit and the dark tones darker a bit. However, I'm undecided if I like it because I think the new version plays up the bluebells but doesn't give the stream the same emphasis as the first version. Your thoughts are welcome.

Registered on November 13, 2003, 59 Posts, 986 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 15, 2011 at 3:43 PM

I can't see much difference, but maybe just enough to make it Perfect! Beautiful, Julie. This is one awesome image IMO.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Shane McDermott on April 15, 2011 at 4:08 PM

I see a significant difference in the re-post. For me it works much better! The strong diagonal line of the stream really leads me through the scene. I don't think intensifying the foliage detracts from the stream at all. Well done!

Shane

Registered on November 12, 2007, 49 Posts, 1074 Comments