Above and Below

I spent this past weekend with my Dad shooting in Yosemite. We managed to get a little good light on Saturday before the rains began Sunday afternoon. We stopped off near Cathedral beach and looked for reflections. I was drawn to the deep emerald color of the Merced and the reflections on the banks. Not sure if this effective but I thought I'd see what you all think.

I'm not sure of the compositional balance between the river and the background, but as someone who has checked out this beach a number of times, it's very refreshing to see another photographer's take on it. You notice thinks that just passed me by.

Thanks.

- Dan.

I was thinking along the same lines as Dan, then read his comments. I like the image, a very nice understated scene with great color and detail. But I would prefer a crop, either top or bottom, to change the balance of the image. I think a little top crop would work best.

Thanks for the comments gents. I like the idea of a crop no that you mention it. Would making this 4x5 be work with the crop just a bit above the orangish bush (sorry I don't know what it is) on the right?

I'll echo the critiques thus far. I personally find the strong horizontal near the bottom of the frame a bit eye catching relative to the vertical lines the trees create. Here's a vote for a crop from the bottom to remove that underwater tree. Other than that I really like all this has, a very nice intimate scene.

I say crop the bottom on one, and then the top on another and you'll have two nice images.

I agree with the other comments regarding balance, Mike. To me, the main interest in the image is the reflection and the forest behind. I like the color and the trees have nice detail.

--P