Bell Smith Springs

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 21, 2011313 views15 comments

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

After a summer storm when the streams are swollen is one of my favorite times to shoot at places like this. For this shot I waded into the stream, which given the muggy warm temperature was quite refreshing.

Large included.

Tech: 5D II, 17-40L @ f/11, 1.3sec ISO 200, Polarizer

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on September 21, 2011 at 3:12 PM

I like the composition quite a bit and the moisture really helps saturate the color. The background, especially the left fork of the stream looks a little blurry. Otherwise this is excellent.

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Taylor Reed on September 21, 2011 at 3:38 PM

Thank you Michael - I think that 'blurriness' is actually low lying mist over the water

Registered on February 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 556 Comments

Comment posted by Pam Colander on September 21, 2011 at 3:42 PM

This is a beautiful image Taylor. Your choice of shutter speed is perfect and the rear elements canting in towards the center serves to draw me in and back through the frame. Luscious colors and great subdued forest light! That looks like mist to me in the left/right BGs. What were your technicals?

Registered on December 7, 2006, 210 Posts, 1062 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on September 21, 2011 at 3:54 PM

As I mentioned on NSN, the only area for improvement I see is I wish the shutter speed had been faster to give more texture to the water movement. Other than that, this is excellent. Looks like an enchanting place.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on September 21, 2011 at 3:57 PM

I like the down-low comp and the great greens, as well as the light in this. The large version is a joy to view.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on September 21, 2011 at 4:15 PM

Man I love the atmosphere and the openness to this! Really sweet image...it has me wanting to wade this creek all day.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Taylor Reed on September 21, 2011 at 4:58 PM

Thanks folks! Pam, I edited it to include the tech data.

Registered on February 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 556 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Roane on September 21, 2011 at 4:59 PM

excellent image, Taylor!

Registered on December 12, 2008, 213 Posts, 2226 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on September 21, 2011 at 6:01 PM

Hi Taylor, This is a beautiful shot. Really enjoy looking at the large view. I like your comp alot and the colors and misty wet feel are wonderful, as is the light. Seeing this really makes me want to visit this area. Very nice work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on September 21, 2011 at 6:43 PM

Awesome work Taylor. This is far south in Illinois I take it? The water is clear unlike the sandstone run-off where I shoot. The atmosphere lingering about rules this photo.
Great job

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on September 21, 2011 at 9:16 PM

Great shot, I like the open feel of this image and how the water pulls the eye into the scene..

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by David Schwaegler on September 21, 2011 at 9:30 PM

A hot humid day in S. IL captured expertly!

Registered on December 4, 2003, 232 Posts, 1652 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 22, 2011 at 3:58 AM

Taylor,

Excellent point of view - it really feels like you're in the stream (and you are!) I really like having the stream coming right at the viewer here. this also opens up nicely for an unobstructed view of the upper stream and forest. No nits from me.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on September 22, 2011 at 9:25 AM

I like the way the water, though coming at me, still carries me into the scene. I also like the overall balance of light including the textures in the shadows in the rock.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on September 23, 2011 at 1:45 AM

Wonderful work, Taylor. The water action is an integral part of this presentation and really meshes well with the remainder of the forest scene -- neither overpowering each other. The color and tonal values look great too.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments