Still Water

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 9, 20151,165 views12 comments

There have been some very large and obtrusive logs deposited into this scene over the years. Sometimes they stay for just one season, sometimes many. I thought this one was a benefit to the scene.

Merced River at Gate of the Valley, Yosemite.

D800,
24-70 2.8,
1.5 sec, F/13,

Thanks
Chris

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Tom Falley on February 10, 2015 at 12:34 AM

Chris:

Nice, makes me want to go back to the "Valley"! A little more of the cliff is showing in the reflection (As a climber I'm always drawn to the cliffs). The grassy area in the mid ground, is that the road embankment?

Thanks: Tom

Registered on November 21, 2014, 189 Posts, 454 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 10, 2015 at 9:52 AM

This is a real nice, peaceful autumn Yosemite scene. I might consider burning down the back wall top left edge?

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Roel Wijtmans on February 10, 2015 at 11:06 AM

I'm slightly bothered by the rock wall in the distance, which is competing for my attention, maybe darken it a bit? But other than that this is a really fine image, great colors and comp. I am especially drawn to the tree and its reflection in the foreground, very elegant detail.

Registered on September 30, 2012, 116 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on February 10, 2015 at 11:26 AM

I like how the water shows the reflection and the rocks below the surface at the same time. This juxtaposition really appeals to me. Nice vibrant colors throughout.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 10, 2015 at 3:56 PM

What a beautiful scene this is, Chris. I like your comp and feel the log does work very nice here. Nice reflections and wonderful color to really set this off. What I enjoy most is the wonderfully quiet mood this gives the viewer. Nice work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Nathan Apodaca on February 10, 2015 at 5:03 PM

Nice, especially with the reflection. Looks like a giant twig sitting on top of glass... I like this a lot!

Registered on November 16, 2011, 67 Posts, 1127 Comments

Comment posted by Sandro Bisotti on February 10, 2015 at 6:15 PM

I like it. Colours, subject, composition, all ok and convincing.
Only, I wonder about a greater high zone, to determine: 1/3 lake-subject, 1/3 yellow trees, 1/3 darker wild.
But the presence of a sky zone could not help, then perfect as is.
all the best,
Sandro

Registered on February 8, 2015, 30 Posts, 265 Comments

Comment posted by Ryan Shain on February 10, 2015 at 10:08 PM

Hi Chris,

The log works really well for me, and it is elegantly placed in the frame. The over all feel to this image is of pure beauty. You have done the Merced River Valley area great justice.

A small suggestion would to be tone down the brightness on the wall, and maybe even the surrounding conifers. This is very small stuff though.

Wonderful image

Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 11, 2015 at 8:57 AM

This view uses the log and its reflection very well, Chris. Even as the log spans the center of the frame, it's undulations add a good sense of motion. Those golden trees are a terrific addition and the touch of wall adds a fine sense of depth. Overall, you've created a great sense of being there.

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

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on February 11, 2015 at 5:42 PM

Nice scene from Valley View. You used the log to great advantage. I agree with the suggestion to tone down the wall in the left background. You had some fine Autumn color to work with--that really adds to the nice sweep and curve of the log.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by D.A. Edwards on February 11, 2015 at 6:07 PM

So balanced, Chris, and a wonderful take on the Merced. The two rocks in the water, the two yellow trees, the symmetrical log, etc. The fall colors are icing on the scene and I agree that is a "good" log. I can envision a lot of compositions or crops from this location. Bravo!

Registered on October 8, 2014, 226 Posts, 1187 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 13, 2015 at 10:45 PM

Wonderful comp and light, Chris. I really like it.

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