Early Spring

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 4, 2014186 views8 comments

Captured in March, 2013. Middle Prong of the Little River, Tremont area (just east of Cades Cove), Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This image took a little more effort in LR5/CS6 than I thought it would - mostly to warm it up a little, and highlight the foliage a bit. There are some washed out areas in the white water, but I believe it looks better keeping it "natural" rather than toning it down, which only results in a murky gray.
My camera meter seems to be biased for shadow areas, and the histogram does not always represent the data accurately. In other words, the histogram is telling me I have no white clipping, when indeed I do. But I have since adapted to underexposing my shots about 1/2 - 2/3 stop in order to compensate for a "normal" exposure. I guess I just need to buy a better, more expensive camera.

Hasselblad H4D-50
Hasselblad HCD 35-90 zoom @ 40mm
95mm circular polarizer
1/2 sec @ f16, ISO 100, Aperture priority, Center weighted mode
Gitzo tripod, Kirk ballhead, RRS custom support bracket

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on January 5, 2014 at 8:43 AM

Simple little scene, nicely captures. The water looks good to me but the blank sky in the bg is a bit of a distraction.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on January 5, 2014 at 11:32 AM

The large version shows just how well the Hassy renders detail. A fine comp and really nice light and color. Beauty.

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

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 5, 2014 at 11:46 AM

This is a lovely "eastern forest" scene. The white water makes some great foreground interest leading to the lovely spring greens that add so much depth. I think you rendered the white water perfectly, showing nice flow but retaining some texture. Sure makes me want to go exploring.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 5, 2014 at 4:01 PM

Beautiful, Michael. Love it.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on January 5, 2014 at 8:04 PM

Beautiful flow and detail. Nicely balanced composition.

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on January 6, 2014 at 9:29 AM

Nice exposure for the water and a very nice composition Michael giving it a good flow. Large version has wonderful detail. Very nice.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on January 7, 2014 at 10:51 PM

this is really lovely, Michael, and I do like the look(processing) that this image has. I think it has great contrast and the slightly blown lightest water doesn't detract at all IMO. I have found that exposing to the right, and even further lightening in ACR (without blowing highlights) is usually a great way to start on an image. I really like the look here.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 16, 2014 at 6:59 PM

The white water areas you speak don't bother me at all, too small to take away from the scene.
I always under expose my shots slightly, always works out best after the fact.
As far as a more expensive camera? Hey, that's what I keep telling my wife..
It hasn't work so far

Beautiful image as posted Michael

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments