A Winter Clearing

I'm really on the fence with this one so I've come to you all to get some good candid feedback. I think it has some merit but I'm wondering if it's too flat or might be better suited for black and white. Lastly, is the comp interesting enough. After processing this the first time I like it but since then I've come to think it might be meant for the archives only. Thoughts?

I think the composition is the strong point here. Aside from possibly shaving a little off the relatively featureless bottom (maybe 5%), I think the composition works as is. The light does look a little flat, though, and that's understandable given the conditions. I think B&W would be worth experimenting with. If you keep the meadow on the bottom, I would definitely tone it down as it's too bright as is.

Mike,

A classic winter comp for sure. I really like the fog/clouds hanging over the cliffs and falls and I think that makes the image. Overall, I would agree with Anish that this appears pretty flat, in brightness, contrast and color. I would differ in that I don't think the snowy foreground is too bright, it's that the rest of the image is darker, relative to the snow. If that makes sense.

My suggestion would be to selectively brighten/paint the foggy mist any falls to bring up there brightness value a little bit. You could do that with the treeline as well. All without adjusting the snow or the brighter sky above the falls.

I think it's certainly a keeper, but doesn't quite measure up to most of your other work.

Lon

I like the cloud/fog vignette but do think it could use a little more post processing as Lon states. I see where you're coming from this and it always comes down to looking at it and just deciding if you want to spend the time on it.

I can't address your B&W concern, but for me it seems a little bleak and flat.
The composition itself works; however, I think that it needs better lighting. On
the more positive side is does have a mood of mystery about it which is appealing.

The conditions under which this photo was taken render it flat or even. The sun was obscured behind cloud,it's a fine late winter Yosemite falls study. Mike I can't disagree with the needs more processing comments. However when I was there in early May to shoot the waterfalls the sky conditions were very similar, I had a hell of a time trying to process the images. But I think this one of Yosemite falls has enough different elements in it to experiment with adding contrast, highlights and brightness. The light sky behind the falls, the enveloping clouds, the confiers and oaks in the midground. Even the snow. It's an image teetering on greatness you just have to push it in the right direction.

Paul

This has a lot of atmosphere. There are a lot of creative choices you could do

Mike, I agree with many of the comments, and as with many images there are ideas to be shared on how to make some adjustments for a possibly better look overall or maybe at least a different look.
I would entertain a crop of the FG slightly, and possibly some D&B on the highs & lows, again just slight adjustments. The general comp looks good to me overall and allows for some minor test changes for again some possible improvements.

My post production is still in its basic stages so I can't help you like the others can. I do agree trying a B&W with this one because its lack of color already renders near that. Maybe that would give you some idea whether or not it works for you and if you should spend more time on it post production wise. In my limited experience I have spent time on those pics that just don't do it for me with the hopes that I can make them better. Usually, even after some pp, they don't appeal to me any more than when I started. Bottom line is you know its what you want before the editing.

- DMP

All this needs is a nice border to keep the white snow from blending in with the white bg. Well composed and captured!