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Shoshone Falls Power

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Kathryn Engle on May 30, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Shoshone Falls Power
This is a view looking down the side of Shoshone Falls over to the Power Plant near Twin Falls, Idaho. This is a blend of a regular pic and an HDR pic both brought in as layers into PS CS5 and then just enough of the background hdr brought in to get the water effect. I was thinking of making a print of this but like to get it critiqued first. Thanks for your comments.
Posted by John Mumaw on May 30, 2011 at 5:54 PM
Nicely composed scene, and I like the muted colors.
I would like to have seen a bit more on the right, but you may not have had a choice.
Could use a bit of sharpening, as well. The biggest problem is one that's inherent with a lot of automated HDR use, and that's the 'flattening out' of needed contrast at the expense of bringing out more detail. A simple Levels adjustment might be all you need to bring back that contrast(see the histogram).
Other than that, it looks real good and ready to print.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on May 31, 2011 at 8:14 AM
Impressive scene, Kathryn. This is certainly a place I'd like to see. I have the same critique as John. You might consider a local contrast enhancement (low sharpening value with high radius) as it would make the mid tones pop.
Posted by Dan Walters on May 31, 2011 at 8:26 AM
You can really feel the power of the water in this image. Great detail as well.
Posted by Jackson Frishman on May 31, 2011 at 6:14 PM
A contrast curve targeting the mid-tones would be another way potential approach to perk this up a little. But I like it as is, nice comp and you certainly captured the power of those falls.
Posted by Morris McClung on May 31, 2011 at 6:54 PM
That is just an amazing flow of water! :eek: I like John's suggestions on tweaking this just a little. Still, a powerful image.
Posted by Rod Chandler on May 31, 2011 at 7:10 PM
I have been there a number of times and come away with nice images, a couple with rainbows. I have never seen water levels like this, however. For me, I would prefer an image without the buildings. Also, the HDR effect is not my favorite. I may be in the minority there but I think HDR has long way to go.
Posted by Kathryn Engle on May 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM
Thanks all for the suggestions. I will go work on the mid level contrast a bit before getting a print. :smile: