Winter's Palette

Fine view of the Sierra.  I think you could boost the contrast /clarity a bit and the saturation and be well within the bounds of reality..  Looks a little flat from my recollection of the brush in the valley.  Maybe the cloud color is responsible, as the sun can really bring out the color of these bushes.

I can see why this is your favorite as this is a real beauty, Dave. Even though this looks a little chilly the image is still inviting with the diagonal placement of the stream drawing me into the scene. I love the earth tones of the grasses intermingled with greens all topped off with the snow capped peaks and the cloud cover. Gorgeous work.

Ed

Beautiful. It really needs to be viewed LARGE. It really jumps in the big view. The understated look works really well and creates a great mood. 

Isn't it interesting how the last image is often the best. My theory is that it has to do with seeing/awareness. With each shot you 'open up', that is your senses do. And the compositions get better and better.

I really like the earth tones of this image and feel that adding more pop to it, like you have done in the high sierras would be a mistake. Well, maybe the blues in the sky could be opened up a bit but very little. I've never seen a bad image of the Owens River and this is a really fine image. 

Lovely muted colors and  comp.
The foreground is really well done with the grass and the light on the sage.
i think the mountains and sky could be brightened a bit.

Dave, What a beautiful image you made here. Excellent composition and I just love the soft light and colors in this. You sure captured the wonderful mood of that morning by making a few more shots before packing up. So glad you did because this is pretty special. I would not change this at all because you might lose that wonderful mood. 
The largest detail version is fantastic!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

I really like your processing on this, the slighty soft look on the large version really makes the photo stand out.

I can see why this is a favorite, Dave. The soft light really enhances the rich tones of the landscape. I am glad you included the creek's outflow in the composition.  As a big print this would make a fine image to be proud of.

Love this Dave!  Such a beautiful part of the country and most certainly one of those places most everyone pays no mind to... but to the trained eye, beauty is all around.

I can see why this might be your favorite.  The comp is outstanding and your title reference to a palette is perfect - I love the colors throughout; one of those colors is the steely blue/gray of the sky up top.

No nits or suggestions.  The large view brings me right there!

Lon

Love this one Dave.  Wish I was there.  In fact, I have been there.  I hooked and lost a nice sized brown trout just the other side of that grassy patch about 20 years ago.  You caught this scene at a great time.  Love that diverse vegetation around the always beautiful river, with the fresh snow in the mountains.  I think that tree on the far left that rises into the snowy mountain is a bit distracting, but probably nothing could be done about this.  Great image!

Dave, just a beautiful image. Even though the light is muted, the contrast between the warm and cool tones makes this image come to life. I'm glad that you didn't pack your gear away, and instead waited long enough to get this very pleasing shot.

Dave, this is a beautiful scene. The color palette is fantastic, there's a little bit of everything, and it all plays nicely together. I especially like the greenish grasses on the left riverbank. Really, really nice work.

I do find that dark hill just before the Sierras on the right edge a bit distracting, maybe a bit of dodging may help?

Dave, this is a beautifully inviting view.  I really like the contrast between the colors in the foreground vegetation, the leading line of the river with reflections and the starkness of the snowy mountains.  Overall it seems a bit dark even in the larger view, where the contrast looks much better.

This spot looks real familiar, Dave. Anyway, this is a fine image  The river is a nice lead in, and the cloud bank on the range helps keep my eye in the frame. The processing looks right on. Well done.
--P

The large version is total "eye candy". Love the `softer look of the image. Don't know if that was intentional post processing or in field capture. Doesn't matter. All i know is that I like it.

Dave, I think the blue water between the golden grass streambanks makes for a great lead into the image.  Tastefully processed.

I'm sorry I'm so late to comment on this, Dave.  Exceptional.  I love everything and can't find a thing I'd change.  Beautifully put together.