Elements Meld + REPOST

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 17, 2012155 views9 comments

Skagit River at the shoreline, North Cascades National Forest.

70-200/2.8, cpl, handheld. f22, 1/5, ISO 640 -0.67 EV.

Entirely reflected light in the open shade of the river's shore: severe clear blue sky above, yellow from a forest full of fall color above and behind, and "mist effect" created by the shutter speed and the movement of the water as it lapped against the boulders and flowed gently over them. It seemed as if the rocks were part of the water and the water part of the rocks and the light was part of everything.

I used a Ps5 filter to help clarify details that were slightly blurred because of the shutter speed. It is not intended as an "art effect," but instead to bring the look to an acceptable level of sharpness, along with the usual processing. So I posted it here in landscape as the "interpretive," impressionistic image I wanted to make, in- camera, of this intimate landscape. I acknowledge that I am probably very close to, if not straddling, the blurred line between photograph and photo art.

So..., very interested in your opinions about that as well as comments about the comp, selection of shutter speed, etc., and the overall "look" of the image. Thanks in advance.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Scott Fricke on October 17, 2012 at 4:36 PM

I like the softness of the water and the color of the reflections. My only nit might be the rock in the LLC, it seems out of place with the rest of the composition, I'd be tempted to crop it off from the left. The overall "look" it quite nice, I like the brightness to it.

Registered on January 19, 2007, 133 Posts, 1448 Comments

Comment posted by Justin Reznick on October 17, 2012 at 4:58 PM

I'm not sure about the rocks in the composition... if they add to the overall image. I would opt for a more abstract take minus the rocks, or perhaps choose a stronger composition if including the rocks was a priority. I also think it's crucial to have a strong pattern in the water for this type of image, and the chosen shutter speed (or segment of rapids) is not delivering the pattern. I love that you took this in the North Cascades, it's great to see this type of image created in Washington State!

Registered on November 24, 2009, 79 Posts, 515 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on October 17, 2012 at 6:37 PM

Love the blue and gold abstract portion Catherine. The LLHC and LRHC darker /rocks sort of interrupt the abstract follow for me but that's me. I also like the leaf remnant on the rock. Fantastic light overall.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on October 17, 2012 at 7:16 PM

I do like the effect you have here. The far left rock looks out of place next to the other rocks and the general feel of the image. The water is the real star, maybe you have some of just the water?

Nice slice of fall.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on October 17, 2012 at 9:48 PM

Beautiful mix of colors and texture. I love water abstracts and this is a nice one. Oddly enough, the rocks do not detract from my enjoyment. IMO, they provide a counterpoint to the misty water.

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on October 17, 2012 at 11:30 PM

Wonderful mix of colors. We often see reflection scenes like this presented as abstracts. This is a different interpretation, more grounded in reality, and I enjoy it at least as much as a more abstract scene.

Regarding processing, if filters and other tools (physical or electronic) are used to depict a scene as the the photographer saw it -- rather than how he or she artistically interpreted it in non-literal way -- to produce a realistic image, then I don't see any straddling of the line between realistic art and art rooted more in the imagination. I enjoy both kinds of images, and I feel the image -- more than the tools used to produce it -- determines which section of the gallery we hang it in, if we have to separate them. (Is separating different categories discrimination? In that context, is discrimination hurting anyone? I'm not ready to get into that, as long as we get to enjoy all of the images.)

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on October 18, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Really appreciate the thoughtful comments!

Here's a little change based on what you've said, and I wonder what you think of this version. Is it any better in any way than the first one?

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on October 18, 2012 at 2:40 PM

Catherine,Some very interesting light, color and textures in this scene. The rock in the lower left corner is a didtraction for me, otherwise I think this is quite nice.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on October 20, 2012 at 11:54 AM

Catherine, your work is always so contemplative. Its a delight to look at your work. I do wish this one was a bit sharper on the rocks, but the water and is oft glowing movement is wonderful.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments