I played around with the color one a bit, and man o man...it really sings with just a little more PP. So I would have to say the color one has it for me.
A little shadow work and contrast work really brings out the elements in it.
Hey Jim, well, I've in no way been called a "horizon nazi" (loving Doug's term by the way) but I don't mind this a bit. It's all about finding that anchor and you've done that in this shot in my opinion.
As for the two, I tend to prefer those Jim Fox B&W's anyway. I would like to see some more contrast or at least something in the mountain face though. For some reason it's not looking as detailed as it should. I'm guessing you blended these, and maybe the top needs a little darker processing, just my thought.
All in all though, great work. I like that you continue to bring something different to the typical views. Well seen and shot.
ScaryFox wrote:
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
Thanks Ute, I know I loved the lines when I saw this.
dnadal wrote:
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
Thanks Dave, good suggestions on the tonal range, I am going to print them today, and then do a few more mods.
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.
Thanks Derek! I sometimes use the Transform tools to correct the divergence, but usually I just use the Lens Correction filter in PS. Dave made some suggestions about the face of Half Dome too, so after I print it today, I will go back and touch up that area.
river rover wrote:
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.
Mark
Thanks Mark, it does look a bit dark there! I will go back and play with that area.
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.
Thanks! Yeah, that spot has been on of my favorite shooting locations for many a year. I really like that first shot of yours, that is some really cool colors! I wish I lived close enough to race a storm into the Valley! Where do you live?
Great composition, Jim, using the fallen tree and the bridge and snow to great effect. The river leads so naturally to Half Dome, curving away from it right at the last. I don't find this to look unbalanced - the trees on the right provide a corrective. I like both versions, but would accept a little more 'pop' in the colour.
Stunning composition and such a beautiful photo... I really like them both, especially the color version.. I am a big fan of BW, but here since you have such nice lighting and exposure, I prefer the color. Definitely well worth your trip..
