River Etive Cascades

Beautiful dynamic action in the water and great lines to the image. It works great as is, but I am seeing an alternative crop removing the sky. Could not go wrong with either. I like it a lot.  Funny how the shadows block up in the small version, NPN seems to be weird that way. 

Matt, The larger version here makes a lot of difference. The dynamic water action looks and works great for me just as it did for Harley. All the dark rock looks much better in the larger version and I like how you framed this. Yes,it works without the sky but I like it as you have it. Very cool shot and processing...Dramatic!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Very dramatic, Matt. The tones look great, and you did a wonderful job on the processing. The large version really opens up the detail. As Harley mentioned, it would be interesting to see this with the sky cropped out, but either way, this works very well.
--P

Matt,

Great to see an image post from you!  

This is fantastic in many ways.  The first and most obvious is the push, the outward flow and motion of the water.  Very stiking and more so thanks to the contrast and b&w presentation.  The drama of the scene is enhanced by that contrast as well as the general dark presentation.  The large view does reveal detail up top.  For me, I'm wondering if the dark levels of the top/bg were closer to the tones of the midground rock, if that might bring out more detail.  Then again, that is likely not the intent and you're using that darkness for impact - and it's working! ;-)

As far as the included sky/clouds up top?  For me I can it a "tweener."   Just enough for the composition, but I'm either wanting a tad more for balance, or perhaps none at all.  the good thing is that the clouds have detail and aren't detracting from the overall scene.

Lon

Nice processing, the blacks show a lot of nice detail (maybe the upper right corner could be brought up some?).
The mood (and the water processing) seem harsh...

Really bold in contrast, and I like that; it adds a lot of drama to the image. I could use a tad more sky, but I would vote against cropping what is there; it adds another layer of interest to the image.

Marvelous image. The best part for me is, of course, the water. The concentric circles of light and dark streaked with white radiating from the center is powerful and mesmerizing. I suppose it could remind one of many things but to me it reminds me of the rings of a jellyfish that radiate from center to edge. 

The other portion of the image is ominous and sinister. So overall, there is a sense of danger and yet thrilling. I also want to comment on the amount of sky shown. I think it's perfect, just the right amount. By just showing a small section the portion is suggestive of something without telling you what it is. It plays without your imagination. Like Hitchcock it lets your mind run away with what danger lies above that rim. That's just my take on things. Others may see it differently. 

I like the pattern created by the falling water, but overall the contrast seems excessive here, potentially hide some interesting details.

Thanks for your comments everyone. Appreciate it!
Still debating on the crop. I'll definitely open the shadows up for print, and add a slight micro contrast.

A very moody and dynamic image. The water action goes so well with the dark walls. I also love the small sliver of sky you have included.

Very nice, Matt.