An Icee Treat

After a rip-roarin start to the winter, things have settled down here in the southwest part of the state. Due to the lack of recent new snow, I went looking for ice and headed out to Treasure Falls (near Wolf Creek Pass). Fortunately, the iced over falls didn't disappoint. Conditions were nearly perfect as there was just enough filtered sunlight to bring out the colors in the ice without turning the scene into a contrasty nightmare. I enlisted the services of another snowshoer, who arrived while I was shooting, to give the scene some scale. Compression isn't doing this one any favors, but hopefully it doesn't detract too much.

Looks very HDR too me Guy.

The colors in the ice are great. Nice shot. I've driven by this spot several times on my way to somewhere else, but I've never stopped. Looks like it's worth the hike in.

I like the frozen falls patterns and the way the way the falls splay out.
The light on the rock looks good, too.
Looks like a bit too much shadow/highlight correction took place here as per Jody's comment.
The hiker adds to a sense of scale, but I think the trees do that pretty well too.

Where's the ice axes and crampons? You couldn't tempt that snowshoer into becoming an ice climber for you? Still a good shot, but I agree with the others, it needs some contrast added back into it.

Not a chance Don! She was afraid to wander out as far as she did on that ledge. Ok...looks like I got a bit crazy with the first edit so I've reworked it with just a tiny amount of shadow recovery. I also reigned in a few other adustments as well. Any better?

I like this version MUCH better. Possibly somewhere in between might be optimum

Cool shot! Its a really intriguing formation, and I like how the person gives it scale. I do like the second post better... the first one has a look to it that reminds me of those old-timey hand colored photos.

Wow, one of the more fascinating frozen waterfall shots I've seen. The person really helps with the scale.

Your "model" makes the image - well done!

I agree with Bill, somewhere in between. Very nice shot and the ice formations are remarcable. I like the person for scale, too,

The second version emphasizes a 'natural vignette', serving to highlight the frozen falls even more. I like that.

I wouldn't mind seeing something partway between the two versions. This is a neat shot. I've NEVER seen the falls look like this!

Last time I was there I had ot fight off the hordes of mosquitoes! Guess that was not a problem. Very nice shot... I too think something in between will do the trick!

In the end, I did settle on something a bit between the two. I won't bother posting yet another shot of it, but you can see it HERE if you are really interested. I thank everyone who's commented thus far. Some days it just takes a little longer to get where you're going!!

That one looks like a winner!

I think you nailed it man! I love frozen water falls.

Yes, defintiely the 2d version! Very cool comp, Guy!