During the visit a few weeks ago to shoot Horsetail Falls, I was looking to get some different takes on the normal icons. So this is a shot of Half Dome by Stonemans Bridge. The fallen branch in the Merced with the snow helps to give this one a different look, and a pleasing look I hope.
One note, I did change the level on this from where I shot it. There is no clear horizon and the bridge is at an angle, so I used the tree's as a vertical reference. Notice there are a few tree's to the left of Half Dome that are leaning, but they are on the bank of the Merced, so I think they really lean. I used for reference a tree right below the center of Half Dome and another just to the right of it. I would be curious though if it is feeling unlevel in addition to whether you like it or not.
Both versions work well for me, the colour one a little more even. Beautiful and subtle. I like the zic-zac lines provided by logs, reflection and bridge. Nice work!
Ute
I like both versions, too, Jim. I looked at them quite a while and I don't think the leaning tree is a problem at all. The picture looks level and balanced.
I think the BW is the stronger of the two, but not by much! The tonal range is just a bit better suited to BW. I wouldn't mind the application of a little contrast in spots...in the rock face in the BW, and in the sky in the color version. The reflection works really well. DAve
these are both really great. i think i like the b/w version for its more visceral, wintery feel. beautiful composition of subject elements that lead you from the foreground back to half dome.
as to the leaning thing, probably a couple of leaners there but you've also got some divergence in the top part of the frame created by pointing slightly downward with your wide angle. very common in these kind of shots just as the opposite is common when shooting upward at tall things (buildings the classic example with converging lines). this is why they build perspective control lenses and provide transform tools in PS.
one other thing: do you think a slight bit of extra sharpening on the face of half dome would bring out a bit more of the texture and detail? just the face i think with a masked/brushed sharpen layer.
Wonderful and original shot. Anyone who shoots around rivers knows not to use trees as vertical references so the learners don't bother me at all. The only minor suggestion is to boost the shadow detail a touch in the right foreground it looks like there's some really interesting texture in there.
Jim,
Both are excellent. I feel the black and white pops a bit more though and I prefer it for that reason.
Half Dome seems hazy in both shots almost as if it is lacking something, but I can't put my finger on it.
Hey Jim!
I love both of these. I think I prefer the color just a smidge more. I really like how you presented the lighting, from down in the shaded valley up into the light. I wouldn't object to a little contrast boost in the sky, in either.
As to the level, my sense, just from looking at Half Dome, and also the surface of the stream under the bridge, is that it's tilted slightly to the left. But you really gotta look for it, so it doesn't really hurt the image.
I love the trail of zig-zagging lines leading to the Dome!
Really a fine image!
Nice pictures. You have found my spot. I have a bunch of pictures from that location. Here is a link to one of my favorites. Yosemite Sunset
I ran up to Yosemite after work one day racing a storm the whole way. I got those colors just about Sunset.
This one was taken just before Thanksgiving. Different spot but it is my favorite.
I love this composition and both versions. You've made a marvellous conversion but I prefer the colour here. The softer tones and pastel colours are most appealing. Lovely.
Jim,
I join with the others in praising your work. Half Dome is photographed so frequently it hard to find an original approach. You not only did that, but executed it beautifully for a wonderful photo. Great work.
Mike
To me, the right side is just a tad high. Please note that I've been called by friends a "horizon nazi" so it might just be me. You're the one who saw the scene. If it feels right to you, that's what's important (and probably most valid).
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