Blue Pool Canyon

Hi All,

Hoping to get some opinions on this one. I was going through files for a big stock project today and came across this image, which I have not shared before. It was captured in one of Zion's slots up in the Hidden Canyon area last fall. Thanks for any opinions on this you could share!

Nice shot! Great colors and details.

It's a nice shot, i do like the interesting perspective split that has you looking down in the front and back into the narrow slot in the bg. But to be honest i don't think it is anywhere near the same league with most of the Zion and SW shots ive seen from you; the pool and leaves don't really grab me, just not very aesthetic, and the bg light in the slot is a bit harsh. just my take on it, being ultra-critical of course.

I like the vignetting along the bottom and sides, it serves to lead the viewer deeper into the photo.

I like it, the bright spot feels like it should be the pool, but my eye keeps going to the rear. A lot more things of beauty and interest in the pool, I think. Keep 'em coming !

It's a beautiful scene and comp, Marc, but I don't think it's in the same league with your typical presentations. The high contrast in the upper 1/2 doesn't work well with the low contrast in the lower 1/2- it creates a counter-product tension, imo. You could try to address that and see where it takes this, but I have a feeling that even with additional work, it wouldn't stand up to the rest of your images going into this project. Not sure if that's important to you, but that's what comes to mind.

Of course, Rick. Thanks for taking the time. Stan raises some good points as well. I appreciate the critique. I didn't really figure this was right up there with much of my SW canyon work, but I figured what the heck, I'll post it and see what happens. Sometimes you never really know until you've posted something what the opinions might be like.

Perhaps black & white to enhance the graphic nature of the image?

I like it, Marc. I don't believe it's a candidate for B&W. I think you expresesed autumn here very well. It feels more like late autumn. Golden tones in walls and the leaves are nice touch. Composition is very good but what bothers me a little are the dirty/dark spots and lines on walls, especially on the bottom. They give a little messy impression and for that reason the slot is not very inviting, at least for me. But I might be too picky and other people might not see it that way. Good capture of this spot for sure.

I put a piece of paper over the top to "crop" and liked it better. My eye just wants to go to the pool and the blue sky reflection tells a story. I was just struggling with looking deeper into the canyon.

Maybe crop the top out and keep the bottom half. I sure do like the blue pool and leaves and think that in itself would stand on it's own

I think that Dave and Laurent make an excellent point.
The lower half can indeed stand alone as a unique vision of autumn.

You guys are right about that crop. I kinda like that idea too.