It was a very difficult period for my family over the fall/winter. I won't bore anyone with the details, but I simply couldn't find the mental focus necessary for me to pursue photography. I went six months, from the latter half of October into April, without ever taking my camera out of the bag. At one point, I briefly considered selling all my gear since it was gathering dust and I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever find the motivation to use it again. I was talked out of it, to the extent I really needed convincing, by family members. The overall gloom kept me from participating here as well, which I concede is not to my credit.
I finally forced myself, on April 8, to head out to the Morton Arboretum, in the Chicago area. The conditions were pretty bad that day (it was quite windy), but the spring bloom was already underway, and the experience had a now or never feel to it. I only took six or seven frames that day, but the experience of concentrating on seeing--the fundamental aspect of nature photography, I think--and the process of setting up and going through the usual time-worn steps had something of a cathartic effect. I was motivated to get out multiple times at some familiar spots in Indiana and Illinois. These were just day trips, mostly a few hours here or there. I hope to post some of these shots on this forum over the next few weeks. I also plan to resume commenting on the images posted by others.
This image was captured above Lower Cataract Falls, Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, Indiana, in mid-April. FWIW, after much deliberation while in the field I made the conscious decision to retain that tiny triangle of sky on the theory that I could always implement a slight crop to eliminate if I changed my mind later. I'm inclined to leave it, but opinions are welcome.
Welcome back to the world of photography, Kerry, and to the MWNP as well. I, for one, have missed your presence here, and I'm glad you were able to overcome your 'photographer's block' for whatever reason. I find that if I'm in a funk, the best remedy is to get my camera gear in the van and head out to shoot something, and focus on reading and writing the light, which tends to get me to living 'in the present moment' instead of fretting over past failures or worrying about what the future might bring.
I like the composition here, but the first thing I noticed was the bright spot at the top of the frame leading my eye up and out, instead of lingering and moving throughout the frame. I'd vote for a slight crop or a bit of foliage cloning there if you want to keep the composition intact. Welcome back!
Yes, good to have you back. The bit of sky is not a problem for me, there is enough in the rest of the picture to keep me happy. I am however not landscape oriented most of the time. If you change it I would go for the cloning as I think the shot needs the "head room". To me the best part is the lower right with the line between the shelf or rock and the flow of current.
I understand your thinking on the sky. I've stood in this spot several times and I always feel like I need more trees but then the sky gets to be a problem. In this case I would probably crop it out.
Nice shot. The water movement is great against the stillness of the FG rocks. The sky doesn't bother me, in fact, I'd maybe like to see more of it, including the bent trees as more of the shot. Good to have you back.
Hi Kerry. I, too, have missed your presence. I have always found your photography inspiring. I will disagree with the others. I have some shots that are similar. In spite of the adage about excluding such sky, the tiny spot is not disturbing for me at all. To the contrary, I think it give the shot perspective.
Thanks for the comments and salutations, everyone. They're much appreciated. Looks like there's no consensus on the sky issue. I'll revisit the master file and see whether some deft cloning is in order. I have PS CS5 waiting for me in a box back in the Chicago area. When I'm back there in a week-and-a-half or so this might be an image suitable for testing content aware fill.
Discussion
9 repliesI finally forced myself, on April 8, to head out to the Morton Arboretum, in the Chicago area. The conditions were pretty bad that day (it was quite windy), but the spring bloom was already underway, and the experience had a now or never feel to it. I only took six or seven frames that day, but the experience of concentrating on seeing--the fundamental aspect of nature photography, I think--and the process of setting up and going through the usual time-worn steps had something of a cathartic effect. I was motivated to get out multiple times at some familiar spots in Indiana and Illinois. These were just day trips, mostly a few hours here or there. I hope to post some of these shots on this forum over the next few weeks. I also plan to resume commenting on the images posted by others.
This image was captured above Lower Cataract Falls, Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, Indiana, in mid-April. FWIW, after much deliberation while in the field I made the conscious decision to retain that tiny triangle of sky on the theory that I could always implement a slight crop to eliminate if I changed my mind later. I'm inclined to leave it, but opinions are welcome.
I like the composition here, but the first thing I noticed was the bright spot at the top of the frame leading my eye up and out, instead of lingering and moving throughout the frame. I'd vote for a slight crop or a bit of foliage cloning there if you want to keep the composition intact. Welcome back!
I understand your thinking on the sky. I've stood in this spot several times and I always feel like I need more trees but then the sky gets to be a problem. In this case I would probably crop it out.
Mike
Good to see you back again!