cedar n falls

Here is an intimate landscape that I captured last week (see another posted over in ESS). I like it and would like to get some feedback. Not sure what I can do to improve it, or if it is good enough at this time. C&C welcome.

My second reaction (my first being, "Niiiice!") is that the contrast seems to be a bit hard and the shadows a little too black. I like its lit-from-above mood, too.

Thanks for the comments Todd. I updated the image to address your critique. Hopefuly the shadows are not as dark. Also I sharpened the image a bit more as it was looking really soft.

I remember seeing the original version of this one, and you did a good job of addressing Todd's notes.
Two slight distractions that I might fix occur on the left side.
'Losing' the brighter rock wedged into the upper left corner and letting that area fall to black.
Filling in the dark area in the lower left corner to give more continuity to the falls.

Other than those minor issues, this is a real nice scene!

Steven, overall, I like this, but my first thought is that the small tree disappears into the glare of the rock behind it. I take it you didn't use a polarizer? The broken stick, while not really standing out, is a distraction. Any chance of a re-shoot? It looks like a great place to go back to.

Thanks for the comments John and Paul. Figured the reflections might be an issue. No, I did not have my CP with me as I was traveling light due to work, so my loss there. And I do not have a chance to go back for a while to reshoot this one as this one is from Glacier NP. Guess I will need to see what I can do with the burn tool in PS to bring down the reflections.

That's a nice little scene you have Steven. The light is indicative of the greatl lighting I found when I was there a few years ago. Just a magical place. I like the juxtaposition of the little fern and the waterfall.

Thans for the input Morris. Definitely a fantastic place with such soft light. Not like around here. Worth a trip back up there one day.

You might try positioning the tree further to the right - all that rock is a "negative space" that doesn't really add to the comp. Use a polarizer next time to cut the glare. I'd like to have seen a little more of the falls - especially where it lands. Waterfalls that "land" - or end outside the frame bother me. Ditch the stick next time you're there. The exposure is near perfect and I don't mind the dark rocks in the shadows, as they are not that dominant. Very nice lighting. You've got the right idea, just keep working it.

Regards, Ken

Thanks for the comments Ken. Already planned on cropping the image and you are seeing the same thing.