I made this image in 2005, thought I'd work it up, post it, and see what you all think of it. I like all the patterns and the contrast between the leaves, the wet rock and the pool. Does the dark area in the lower left bother you?
This image was made on the slabs to the left of the cascade at Whitney Portal. I was set up on a ledge, so it wasn't advisable to step back to admire the scene!
Tachihara 4x5
180mm lens (I think)
Astia 100f
Your thoughts are always appreciated!
Posted by Nelcha Cross on December 1, 2007 at 4:03 AM
Very Nice, Preston,
No, the dark area at the Rt. lower corner does NOT bother me...
in fact it helps to draw me down into the pool even more....
You massaged this one very nicely... I feel like I am there,
The pond helps me feel like the coolness of the fall air is present
LOL, and it was probably warm that day, right?
The rock in the water with leaves...altho in the water, are very grounding
Nice that you were able to catch the pond while it was still.
Very Zen calming feeling from this image.
Well done and thanks for reviving it and sharing it
in gratitude,
Nelcha
Posted by Dan Truong on December 1, 2007 at 6:25 AM
Preston,
I like this composition...
I can't find any argument or angle to change the photo that would make it better and keeping the intent of your shot. So right on.
Strong point: The tones are mostly bi-color (blue-green and yellow) with a couple of green spots, which makes a strong composition. If you remember the Amelie movie, that's the recipie they used to support the mood all along the film, with colors recall a specific point.
I like it Preston. No nits with the dark area. Doesn't bother me a bit. Cool shot!
Posted by Lon Overacker on December 1, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Hey Preston,
I like this very much. I really like the pool of cool water and what appear to be some ripples. The "pairs" of leaves around the lower rock really help set that element off well. The darker corner doesn't bother me (darker is always better than brighter) - I think it helps hold in the composition nicely.
I like!
Lon
Posted by Dan Truong on December 2, 2007 at 2:02 AM
I think this photo is dead on for weekly challenge #307
Weekly Challenge #307 (11/25/07 - 12/01/07) Fallen leaves - Submitted by Jim Erhardt. Photos of leaves that are no longer on trees.
Preston, I missed this one earlier in visits to the site here. This was one I do not every recall seeing posted before, however, saying that does not mean I do not recall this particular shot per se. When we first met up for CANP in 2006 I do recall your talking about this spot with a very graphic explanation of the scene. As it turns out it was a very good explanation back at that time and now seeing it sure meets the input you gave me back then. As much as I visit the area I need to get back up to the Portal location and see if I can find this area too. A very nice image overall. The water clarity is amazing in this scene with unlimited depth to it. I would love to see this site in real time.
Paul, I have never posted this particular shot. After reviewing the tranny again, I thought I'd work it up for a possible print.
There is a lot of potential in the areas on both sides of the cascade. It gets really steep toward the top, though, and so it would be very unsafe up there. I like the left side (facing the falls). The best time to access this side is in the fall when the flow is very low: You can easily cross the creek and climb up the left side. There are several ledges that cut across the slabs. If the flow is higher, the slabs will be wet and very dangerous. You can still access the left side by crossing the bridge (Meysan Lake Trail) at the east end of the parking lot. You'll have to do a bit of brush crashing to reach the bottom of the falls, though.
This 4x5 image: Satin Curtains was made in October 2006 in the same area.
Thanks again for your comments!
-PB
Posted by Richard Wong on December 3, 2007 at 1:16 AM
those aspen leaves look like golden dollars. I like how the little few leaves in the foreground rock hold the composition together. and man that water looks good!
Posted by Anil Rao on December 4, 2007 at 11:59 AM
I love this type of photograph because it offers a strong sense of both abstraction and reality. I really love jumping from one to the other as I study it.
Another nice one, Preston.
Posted by Dan Truong on December 7, 2007 at 3:59 AM
See, Satin Curtain's composition is not as polished. The rock slants etc. kinda break it. Furthermore the trees on the right side are common. This shot (not satin curtain) manages something more: it feels timeless.
The more I look at it the more I think the details of the leaves and rock creates a geometry that draws the viewer into the negative space of the photo: the water, with a nice hue, and undefined texture that really emulates the essence of water.
I don't know if you planned it like that, but if it was a famous painting, I think art teachers would analyze the composition and explain how it works to achieve that superior quality.
Among all 3 shots you posted recently, I'm surprised you would even think twice about which to setup for printing.Make sure you render those royal blue/ blue-green hues on the print.
Among other photos that I think have a mood beyond just being good photos on your link "Stormy Evening-Lone Pine Peak", "Naked Grace", "Stormy Hills-Big Pine"
"Valley of Aspens-Bishop Creek".
I think this one is crazy: "Mount Tom and Sierra Wave", but I think you missed the shot. I don't like the framing, it's missing something and feels incomplete.
Of course these are my opinions and that's all the value what I wrote has.
Posted by Dan Baumbach on December 8, 2007 at 8:31 PM
Discussion
12 repliesThis image was made on the slabs to the left of the cascade at Whitney Portal. I was set up on a ledge, so it wasn't advisable to step back to admire the scene!
Tachihara 4x5
180mm lens (I think)
Astia 100f
Your thoughts are always appreciated!
No, the dark area at the Rt. lower corner does NOT bother me...
in fact it helps to draw me down into the pool even more....
You massaged this one very nicely... I feel like I am there,
The pond helps me feel like the coolness of the fall air is present
LOL, and it was probably warm that day, right?
The rock in the water with leaves...altho in the water, are very grounding
Nice that you were able to catch the pond while it was still.
Very Zen calming feeling from this image.
Well done and thanks for reviving it and sharing it
in gratitude,
Nelcha
I like this composition...
I can't find any argument or angle to change the photo that would make it better and keeping the intent of your shot. So right on.
Strong point: The tones are mostly bi-color (blue-green and yellow) with a couple of green spots, which makes a strong composition. If you remember the Amelie movie, that's the recipie they used to support the mood all along the film, with colors recall a specific point.
BTW, your copyright is off by 2 years.
I like this very much. I really like the pool of cool water and what appear to be some ripples. The "pairs" of leaves around the lower rock really help set that element off well. The darker corner doesn't bother me (darker is always better than brighter) - I think it helps hold in the composition nicely.
I like!
Lon
Weekly Challenge #307 (11/25/07 - 12/01/07) Fallen leaves - Submitted by Jim Erhardt. Photos of leaves that are no longer on trees.
Paul, I have never posted this particular shot. After reviewing the tranny again, I thought I'd work it up for a possible print.
There is a lot of potential in the areas on both sides of the cascade. It gets really steep toward the top, though, and so it would be very unsafe up there. I like the left side (facing the falls). The best time to access this side is in the fall when the flow is very low: You can easily cross the creek and climb up the left side. There are several ledges that cut across the slabs. If the flow is higher, the slabs will be wet and very dangerous. You can still access the left side by crossing the bridge (Meysan Lake Trail) at the east end of the parking lot. You'll have to do a bit of brush crashing to reach the bottom of the falls, though.
This 4x5 image: Satin Curtains was made in October 2006 in the same area.
Thanks again for your comments!
-PB
Another nice one, Preston.
The more I look at it the more I think the details of the leaves and rock creates a geometry that draws the viewer into the negative space of the photo: the water, with a nice hue, and undefined texture that really emulates the essence of water.
I don't know if you planned it like that, but if it was a famous painting, I think art teachers would analyze the composition and explain how it works to achieve that superior quality.
Among all 3 shots you posted recently, I'm surprised you would even think twice about which to setup for printing.Make sure you render those royal blue/ blue-green hues on the print.
Among other photos that I think have a mood beyond just being good photos on your link "Stormy Evening-Lone Pine Peak", "Naked Grace", "Stormy Hills-Big Pine"
"Valley of Aspens-Bishop Creek".
I think this one is crazy: "Mount Tom and Sierra Wave", but I think you missed the shot. I don't like the framing, it's missing something and feels incomplete.
Of course these are my opinions and that's all the value what I wrote has.
- Dan.
Thanks for your comments! The proof looks pretty good, but it's not quite there, yet.
-PB