El Capitan YNP

So I wanted to get some input on several things from you guys about this image. I'm not sure if this is portfolio worthy image or not. I kinda don't feel like it's a strong enough image for some reason. If not for a fine print perhaps poster material?

I like the black and white version but I also am providing a link to the color version. I really like the green, red, and touch of blue in the color version; but I think I'm biased towards all those greens. Living out here in bishop we don't have those vibrant greens, so my brain is overwhelmed by them. Even after being there a week I was still overwhelmed by all the vibrant green color!

some info about the image: two individual images hand blended, one for the sky and the other for the rest. I did perspective vert. corrections in PS as I used the 17mm lens. B&W conversion using channel mixer.

Here's a few other areas I'd like some feed back on re: the b&w version:
1. over all does it look over processed or does it feel natural
2. does the reflection look right w/ respect to density and contrast

that's about it I guess.

this was shot near the merced river, on the out-bound traffic side btwn 6-7pm. This pool of water was isolated by a sliver of land which I shot the image from. Unfortunately I couldn't get el cap in the reflection, even w/ the 17mm lens this is what I could get.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Cory Freeman
Sierra Impressions Photography

Cory the B&W looks really nice with the grey scale but I actually like the moodiness of the color shot with the clouds in the sky... I will be up in the Eastern Sierra in two Saturdays for 5 days...

Hey Cory, I do not work in B&W or convert in PS, so all I can say is I like this a lot.
1. Looks very natural to me.
2. Reflections can be a challenge at times, however, I do not see any issues with this one.

Cory,
I think the processing of the B&W looks pretty good; however, I have to agree that I prefer the color version here. Just too many nice colors to look at. The reflection looks good in both versions. Somehow, the B&W seems to make El Cap look small, if that's possible.
Rudy

Thanks for your input Eric, Paul, and Rudy! I like the color one too, just not sure if either is a keeper.

An issue with worth of images of major icons like EC is there are myriad images of such popular mature subjects. Although an image of such an icon may be pleasantly aesthetic and technically acceptable, one ought to ask does it stand out enough from images of others to have some value putting it out in front of the public? Is there something genuinely unique captured like wildlife? Is there special light or conditions captured?

I've taken endless images of EC and other favorite YV subjects for three decades including many swollen Merced reflections like yours. And almost all will not be shown in public. Just being out at such a magnificent location working my craft with personal enjoyment of doing so is all I usually expect. Finally in 2006 I took this snowscape after tripoding in one spot for an hour during snow flurries after just the right type of passing winter storm waiting waiting waiting for one moment of exceptional light. That occurred, shutter release depressed exposing a big sheet of film:

http://www.davidsenesac.com/Gallery_B/07-F1-4.jpg

And I've managed some others now in that valley yet a worthy image of Half Dome is likely to evade me forever.

You are on a roll with the B&W, Cory. The tones here create a real classic look. I love it.

thanks RW & David for sharing your thoughts on these!

Your b&w's have all been outstanding Cory! Really, some of the best processing I've seen. And one day I'd love to see how you're doing with the prints. I'm sure the prints will top these little web versions.

So to answer your questions, Yes, the processing looks natural to me and the reflection looks great to me.

If this was on the outbound, or Northside drive, this would have to be the Indian Swamp area? Most of the time we see images shooting from the other side with Cathedral Rocks reflecting in the swamped meadow.

Great image Cory and I would definitely include this in your portfolio.

Lon

Cory, absolutely zero nits in either conversion---subject, composition and processing are spot on. My nod goes (slightly) to the color version only because IMO the color contrast between the trees and the bg rock adds dimension to that part of the image.

Bob

I am partial to the B&W version. It is more timeless and classic to my eye. Nice job on the processing. I might experiment masking the wall of El Cap and bringing in the black point a little. This might boost the contrast a bit and give it some more pop. Very fine as presented too.

Thanks Lon, Robert, and Harley!

@Lon: as always your thorough reviews are very appreciated! I would love to show you my prints; perhaps at the next CANP eastside event. It sounds like I was at the Indian swamp area as it was kinda swampy in places.

@Harley: thanks for the suggestion. are you saying to adjust the black point on just the wall of elcap or everything else but elcap.

The wall of El Cap. I am thinking a little more contrast on the wall might increase its impact as the focal point of the image.