Falling Leaves + falls

Nice image Nick. Intriguing and somewhat complex composition. I might want water whites to be slightly cooler, but don't have much else to add.

Intriguing image Nick. I've been trying for several years to come up with a decent, long-exposure image of falling leaves with little success. I think here though that there are two possible images: one of the falls and swirling water and one of the falling leaves. I'd like the falling leaves to be more central to the overall image instead of shunted off to one side and cut off by the edge of the image. My eyes just keep going to the right side of the image which makes the remainder of the image, while interesting, ultimately subordinate. Perhaps a crop to just the right third of the image might be the best of both worlds?
Just my 2 cents....
Dave

Mark, I think cooler whites would be a good idea. Thanks!
Dave, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this and appreciate your suggestions as well. I thought it was interesting to see what went on during the longer exposure but overall it probably doesn't work all that well. I did do a shot of the falls and caught a little of the swirl with it but a little more swirl might have been nice. I'm including that one here. Thanks much! Nick

Very interesting, Nick. It shows what our eyes don't see. I agree with Mark that it is a rather complex image, but I think it works nicely. The water looks fine to me. The depth of field and the color look spot-on.

Edit: Ooh, just saw the new image. I like this, too. Well done, Nick.

--P

I like both images Nick. I agree with Dave about the comp in the first. My eye goes right and tends to stay there but I'm not sure that's a problem for me. The image is so interesting from the colors and the patterns that it works for me nonetheless.

I guess I prefer the simpler composition in the second image. You lose the neat sprite looking things but the image is gorgeous for my tastes.

Both images have a mood of magic about them that I like a lot.

pat

Nick, I much prefer the second image. The "ghostly effect" , in the first, while interesting, is IMO in the end a little distracting and compromises the outstanding features in the rest of the image. The second image is outstanding and the eye just flows from left to right thru a gorgeous scene.

Good evening Nick,

I Like both images.

The first one has quite a few elements that are drawing ones attention simultaneously. I think this will work for some people really well, and it kind of depends how the mind works. As soon as I get into the the swirls and the gold reflections, my eye wants to come back to fg leaves because they are a great fg element, but stand out a bit strong and challenge the golden light and swirls.

The more I look at the larger image, the more I start to enjoy the image, hmm fascinating

I do gravitate more towards the 2nd image you have posted. The flow is very nice, and I really find it to be beautiful capture!!

Really nice work on both of these images Nick.


I think the first image is kind of like a thought provoking day, or a busy mind, and the second like a relaxing mellow day or meditative mind.

both have there strengths

I was trying to figure out what the yellow ghost on the right was before reading your description, and I couldn't. Then I read it and it all made sense. It is indeed an unusual effect. Perhaps the image would be "cleaner" without it, but that does not necessarily mean better. It is a unique image as it is. I can see the point about the cooler whites, but either way works for me. Gorgeous work!!

Hadn't seen the second picture. I think I like it more, largely because I think that the angle of the foreground leaves adds depth.

Beautiful image, Nick. The bright foliage reflection on the upper right of the frame seems to draw the eye away from the swirl. Perhaps darken it a bit .Nice processing overall.

I love the second post, Nick. The first is good, but I have the same reservations as Dave.

You know Nick, this is a very interesting image. I think in some respects the ghostly image of the leaves falling sort of screwed up a really cool shot. On the other hand, it really is different, and in my book, that is a good thing. Great idea and a cool result.

Really like that second image Nick. All the elements work so well together and I especially like the two shelves of leaves. It deserves a separate posting so that a wider audience can see it on the main landscape page. Well done!

Thanks much to all of you for giving your thoughts on this. Interesting to read them and I really appreciate it. I maybe should have posted the second image as a follow up post rather than in the same thread. It was pretty fun shooting here on this day and working with some long exposures to see the different results. Cheers, and thanks! Nick

I might try adjusting the blacks a bit - the image as a whole looks a bit yellow. In this way you will probably only effect the canyon walls and giv emore pop to the yellows, which will be uneffected. The reflected light of all the yellow leaves may have produce the natural yellow glow. In any case, a nice intimate shot.

Thanks Harry! A good tip and I'll give that a try. Nick

Endless swirls and interesting ghosting of the falling leaves, lots to explore, the image holds my interest and does not let loose. I love the first one it is so unique. No copying that take.

The first image is a unique out of the box idea, but I think I prefer your second more traditional image more, Nick. My eye keeps wandering over to the bright yellow and taking me away from all the wonderful stuff in the rest of the scene. Those swirls are gorgeous and I love the autumn feel with the leaves scattered about the landscape.

Ed

Quite a unique capture Nick with the falling leaves and I'm glad you posted it. Loving all the swirls.

Cheers, Gary.

Those golden swirls, the foreground leaves, and falling water are great, Nick. I'm on the fence, leaning towards liking, the falling leaf traces. The look at the falls in the repost is lovely, but there the swirls leave me wanting to see more. This looks like a wonderful place to explore repeatedly.

My vote is for the 2nd image as well. I think the black frame with white border is also helping it's presentation. Had there not been the ghostly yellow light the first image had the better composition. It looks like a place ripe with compositions and would be fun to explore.

holy moly - there's a lot going on in your image ... and in contrast, the top left corner remains empty and alone! lovely colours but a touch too busy for me!

Thanks so much guys! Good to get your thoughts and suggestions on this. Much appreciated! Nick