Psych 101

Here's the older one.

Chris, Don't hesitate to post Icons - not everyone is as lucky as we are to be close to Yosemite! Some people have never been there, or get there infrequently and our vision is sometimesd the best they'll get.
Nice perspective, perfect reflection.
Looks as if the photographer has grown , both in camera skills and PS skills!
Sandy

Whoa, Love it.
It’s amazing how much more detail is in the larger version.

Excellent

Killer processing Chris. The reflection really diffuses the light. A lovely view.

Michael

Hi Chris, Yes, I have never been there, so don't stop now . Really pretty shot. The large version is wonderful, and a joy to view. If I ever get out there I'm going to call you! I gotta say...you have come aways since your first attempt.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

I like this new one better. The tones are really well done.

very nice Chris. yosemite has been good to you this year.

I really like the cooler, softer look of the new one - nice work! Maybe a slight grad issue with the trees in the ULC? It's amazing to see the improvement in your skills as a photographer over time!

I like the richness of the color and perfectly still reflection Chris. I also like the 4X% format. Beautiful place.

At first i thought beaver, but no-- it looks more like a marmot coming out of its hole--the snout is the high point.
I think the light was better in your original shot, but your comp and processing are much better here.

cool , amazing reflection

Excellent. i'd prefer the first one. Perfect reflections.

Classically beautiful Chris. Processed to perfection too. Just a slight difference in images .

Very nice indeed! I prefer the new one. One small thing: there is some visible blending with the darkening of the sky.
Well, about the iconic location, I agree with Sandy. You live there, you can make photos of it and share with others who may never see the place. I am lucky to live in Switzerland, and I can make photos here, at some also iconic locations and inspire others who live far away. That's the beauty of it.

Thanks,
About the image, it's a single frame with no blending. I can't remember, but I don't think I needed a grad for this either. It was bright, but cloud diffused light that evened things out rather nicely I thought. So, any darkness to the sky in the reflection is actually due to the clarity of the water, letting some of the dark muddy bottom show through like a second layer at less than 100% opacity.

Thanks,
Chris

Iconophobia is normal...but it's nice to be abnormal once in awhile. I don't know if it's the difference between the vertical and horizontal or your POV was different in the first, both are nice images by the way, but in the vertical the bowl Bridalveil falls out of does not seem as wide as in the horizontal. Maybe it's an optical illusion. I do like both..but then I'm a sucker for Yosemite images. I wish I had more with clouds like in the first and with the nice filtered light in the second.

Paul

I much prefer the new version. I wouldn't say it breaks new ground as far as Yosemite shots go, but it sure is pretty and the larger version is something I could look at for a long time.

A magical shot, Chris. Beautiful contrast and color, and that crisp reflection is excellent.

The newer one is a HUGE improvement, Chris. Really pretty scene. Quite peaceful and tranquil.

I think the darkening what I mentioned is just an optical illusion. The sky has some clouds just behind the mountain, and than the mountain looks darker at the edge. It lookes similar as a halo, specially on the small thumbnail.

That reflection is fantastic, Chris and the 50:50 composition works perfectly. While the light in the second post is nice, this newer image is a whole lot better in my opinion. Your composition and the details are stunning.

Nice light and reflection, definitely prefer this over your previous work.

The new one is framed much better with the trees on the left, Chris, and I like the light better in this too. The reflection is superb. My only quibble is a bit dark in some areas. Very nice work!