High Noon at Seven Hollows Grotto

The time of day and lighting was not right, but I was on a hike with my daughter(10/25), and I found this to be an amazing place. I haven't found many photos of this grotto on the net. It's shadey and cool, and it's hard to tell where the water comes from. I am a beginner and would appreciate any advice. This is a single exposure. I tried some blends and tone mapping, but it didn't seem to make a big difference. I really didn't know what a blend or tone map was when I took this. I think it needs some added depth, and perhaps some more sharpness. What do the experts say?

Jan, it looks like you have done well with the mid-day light. I have never been here but your photo makes me want to check it out. Thanks for sharing.

Jan, I think you did a fine job with the processing on this. My only nit would be the dead trees above the falls - they just seem to keep my eye up there instead of down where the real beauty is, around the falls.

Very impressive for direct sunlight! I can't remember the last time I tried shooting in sunny conditions, but it looks like it can work.

Nice shot, your photo really makes me want to visit this place!

I would agree with Zack that maybe the shadows and highlights could use a touch of contrast, especially in the foreground.

I wonder what this would look like in black and white.

Looks pretty good to me. I like the vantage point. If you would have been able to blend some shots (having known at the time of shooting), it would have been nice to see a little bit more of the details in the shadow area. It is a great place. Did you see the cave paintings while you were there? We didn't know they were there until some hikers pointed them out to us once. Nice shot in difficult conditions.

Well here is a little different perspective. It's fun going back over images I almost deleted to see what I can do. This was my first trip to the grotto, although I have lived within 35 miles of it for 50 something years. I am taking everyone's advice to heart. Also, Karla I did not know where the carvings were located. The 4.5 mile hike with a very heavy tripod just about did me in. Thanks to all.

I had forgotten how amazing that place was, until I saw your photo Jan. And I'm not just talking about the grotto itself. The glades up above are, again, just amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Jan, both images are very nice - especially considering the sunny conditions.