I know this shot breaks some "rules" of composition (rule of thirds, don't center subjects or dividing lines, etc.), but the placement of flowers on the other side of this creek, and a few other things, made this the more appealing option. This is a waterfall I shot several years ago with flowers around it, but it was a totally different comp. This year the flowers that made that shot possible are nowhere to be found, so this was the obvious photo op.
Amazing thing is, I think we stood in the exact same spot - trying to get similar shots (based on your other recent post). Irwin area? If so, really bizarre.
Irwin indeed! And here's the original, taken from across the creek looking back at the falls. There were some lupines and such over there, but not anywhere close to being useful for photography purposes.
Posted by Mark Stahlke on July 27, 2009 at 5:06 PM
It's an interesting approach but the first two images don't work for me. The two halves don't come together to make a unified whole. Nothing ties the flowers to the waterfall or the waterfall to the flowers. I'm left confused: Are you trying to show me the flowers or the waterfall?
Mark: You're thinking too much. It's like hearing Roger Ebert (or whoever) say, "The movie didn't allow this-or-that character to become fully developed." Who cares? Did you enjoy your popcorn? And didn't Jessica Alba look incredible in that bikini???
Posted by Mark Stahlke on July 27, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I'm thinking too much? That's the first time I ever heard that!
I didn't notice the popcorn, I was distracted by the bikini.
The 1st one I like the concept, and actually think it works, the orginal though is especially nice!. Now all you need to top it off is Jessica in the water with her Bikini ;).
Posted by Paul Martin on July 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I think your 50/50 works in this case, Todd -- because the flowers look great and the waterfall has some detail as well. That said, your original is more "classic" and it looks fabulous. Bikini? Why add another element, au naturual please!
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 27, 2009 at 11:10 PM
How do you say it....two thumbs up, WAAAAAY up!!!! That last one is an absolute killer.
I dont really give a dang bout rules, but i know what my gut says, and my gut says "#3 all the way!" the flowers grab you in, the natural dof grounds you, the diagnol intrigues. Not saying the first isnt nice--its very nice--just that the original is way stronger for me.
I agree with the "rules, shmules" philosophy, and really want to like #1, but my eye keeps coming back to the bright line between the flower bank and the falls. The flowers are too high, there's not a lot to bring your eye to them. #3 is great - the flowers are right along and follow the diagonal, so as your eye moves down it, you naturally pick them up. The flowers are the natural focus, and the waterfall makes a great background.
Posted by Chuck Peacock on July 28, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Yup, the first two are nice!
But the original that "follows the rules" rocks IMO.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on July 28, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Where's this "au naturel" model you guys keep talking about? No matter how long I search, I can't find one in any of these images!
That said, #3 absolutely rocks!
Rules, like an office job, are seriously overrated - but sometimes they make sense. For example, if you crop off the top 1/4 of the first image so that the water comprises 2/3 of the image, it suddenly looks "better" to my eye.
Of course, maybe I've been brainwashed by "the rules" and need to practice a little rebellion... And I must hasten to say I'd be proud to have taken any of these images!
I have to agree with the others iin order of preference and the reasoning.
All I know is that you found a wonderful flower garden, and framing it with the falls is quite a beautiful way of showing them off.
Discussion
22 repliesAmazing thing is, I think we stood in the exact same spot - trying to get similar shots (based on your other recent post). Irwin area? If so, really bizarre.
As for the third image...yum!
Cheers,
I didn't notice the popcorn, I was distracted by the bikini.
Cheers,
But the original that "follows the rules" rocks IMO.
That said, #3 absolutely rocks!
Rules, like an office job, are seriously overrated - but sometimes they make sense. For example, if you crop off the top 1/4 of the first image so that the water comprises 2/3 of the image, it suddenly looks "better" to my eye.
Of course, maybe I've been brainwashed by "the rules" and need to practice a little rebellion... And I must hasten to say I'd be proud to have taken any of these images!
All I know is that you found a wonderful flower garden, and framing it with the falls is quite a beautiful way of showing them off.