Frozen Pond, Jasper AB

Here's the other:

There's some kind of substantial glow added to this that's really helping to further the atmosphere. I really can't decide which I like more. An interesting subject here in any case.

I like both photographs for different reasons. I would frequent this place in various conditions and create a whole portfolio! The glow is otherworldly. Great job!

This is quite nice. It has a very pleasant surreal appearance, almost dreamlike. Beautiful color and light. I definitely like the original version best.

I like the first one a lot, it has better leading lines and flows much more smoothly imo. Nicely done.

Well they definitely both work in their own way. The first has the initial draw of those great sweeping curves, but I still think I might have to choose the second image if I was forced to pick between them. It has a more predictable composition but sacrifices none of the mystery inherent in the location.

Holy cow! It's hard to choose between the two, but probably the first one. I absolutely love the processing here, but can't say it resonates with me as natural. More like a dream, but as I said, I love it!

Chris

I agree with Kent on this one Chip. Very beautiful work in both, and I love the leading lines in the first, but the second just feels well balanced and simpler.

Well, wow. I'll take one of each! Love both, but perhaps would lean toward the second as well.

I prefer the first, in part due to the variety of objects and contours in the frame. While I like the "striped" pattern in number 2, the crop doesn't appeal to me (the point where the sticks meet the ice is a little too close to the center for my tastes).

Really nice color and smooth texture in both!

Max

Gorgeous image, Chip! I love the bright glowing trees and the blue tones. I like the complexity of the first image, and it would without a doubt be my first choice, except the lower left feels a little empty. It captures the frozen fairy tale feeling better than the second composition IMO. That said, the second image is more than lovely as well.

The first one FOR SURE for me Chip. Those graceful curves are just to DIE for.

To be totally honest, I think this is one of your finest images, and as a huge fan of your work, that is really saying something. It's simply glorious.

Ok.... now that I'm done drooling over it. I actually think the first one is more balanced than the second, which I guess goes against the popular consensus. The fact that the curves are strong in the lower right and then the majority of the sticks are in the upper left really works well off each other. THen there is the reflection in lower left and the nice details in the upper right that fell well complimented as well. Seriously man.... this one REALLY resonates with me.

I'd have to take the first one too, but barely. The second one makes a nice pano with the bottom cropped off.

I like the first one Chip. I like the way you use curve leading viewer eyes into the picture.

They are both beautiful. Nice work Chip.

Love them both! Wowsers. If I had to pick one, it would be the first one for the cool curved lines.

Wow Chip, these are both absolutely terrific and great additions to your already amazing portfolio. I love the curvy lines in the first, but my personal taste would be to crop some off the bottom, making the lead in lines seem smoother and more flawless, also drawing more attention to those cool ice mounds around the sticks in the LRC. I actually like the second one cropped as well just above that darker spot in the ice in the LLC. That would probably throw the ratios of these off, but may be worth playing with to see what you think. Very cool shots nonetheless!

Great shot! I prefer the first because of the way the lines cause your eyes to flow through the image.

Wow - this one really blows me away. What a great light you've got here. The branches seem to glow with their bases being so bright. Unique capture, Chip.

Fantastic Chip! I prefer the first because I like the flowing lines through the composition. You have a great eye to see this! VERY well done and quite original too!

Hi Chip

The first image is just fabulous and would be my choice of the two. The other is great but comparitively static. I also think this is one of, if not yor finest image to date. For me this goes beyond mere visual communication reaching the exalted plane of photography as art.

i agree with marc...somekind of glow that really makes this interesting. The cool tones are great..

Of the two i prefer the first one, simply because im a sucker for curves...

#1, no contest because of the curves. This is extremely cool, Chip! Your recent posts really keep me in suspense, and that's a very good thing

It's the first one for me Chip, my eye seems to flow through the shot much better. The soft glow effect and the colour of the ice looks great.

Gary.

#1 for me. Those curves and that glow are simply outstanding!
Bravo for yet another fine performance!!

Both are quite good, but I prefer the first. (Haven't read comments below yet)
What a dreamy swirly neat abstract. The tele on a FF makes such amazing compositions.
Nice work Chip!!!

These are wonderful Chip. I really like the dreamy feel along with the color and light. I like the first one the best. The curve really makes that one for me. Nice work.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

I like the first one best. But they're both very nice and different from each other.

- Dan.

I like the second image better Chip because of the clean, crisp presentation. There is a little more texture to be enjoyed in the snags and just a hint of warmer tones in the fg as an anchor for all the cool blue tones. My preference doesn't diminish the fact that your first offering is a wonderful image in its own rights. Well done on both counts!

Chip - I think I prefer the 1st version. The S curve of the ice does it for me. My personal taste would be to dodge the upper LC or do a slight crop to eliminate the darker shadow of the uppermost sticks. For some reason that part of the image is throwing me off a little. A great find.

Sorry, I can't help you. Both are equally outstanding.

Now this is breathtaking. Very creative work Chip. I like the various curves on this one. Perhaps the second one would look good if you were to do a panoramic crop.

-Jay

I'm going to fall into Kent's camp on this one. The sweeping lines of the first are nice... but the graceful curves of the second take the cake.

If I had to choose, I'd go with number 1. Seems to have more depth and I like the lines in the ice. Did you use a masked blur on the sticks? They seem to have a glow around the edges that is very pleasing.

Love this, the atmosphere is awesome. Glad you continue to find intimates. I prefer the first.

Chip - they are both incredible. I prefer the second though because of the cleaner look. The branch sticking in from the side of the first one does detract from the mystery a little bit. Still, I like both very much. Outstanding work.

Michael

Thanks guys. Very interesting to hear all your opinions on which you like best and why. Seems to be somewhat split, but leaning more towards #1 today. I really appreciate the time taken to give opinions and comments/suggestions!

I would also like to take a moment to observe our collective appreciation for the processing here. It wasn't that long ago that I (or whoever) could post an image like this, where the processing was very apparent and has contributed greatly to the mood and feel of the image, on just about any forum, and had the opinions be dominated by or at least split on the topic of the added effects. It seems in today's world of imaging such discussions are fading away in photo communities.....at long last.

This is absolutely superb, Chip (both of them) One of the most creative images I've seen in a while.

Guy

Wow. Like the first better, but both are superb. Like the glow and the lines along with reflections in the ice.

These are both stunning Chip! The light is incredible. I like the lines in the first and could see a crop off the bottom of the 2nd.

I love both of them. However, loved the first one more
the tone is ideal for this subject

Very hard to decide which one is better. I'll go with both. Fantastic work, Chip!

WOW, one of the most beautiful shots I have ever seen! Clearly the first one. Fantastic work Chip!

Chip,
I love the glow on the sticks in the second shot, but the comp seems to flow better in the first shot. The curve in the ice and two sticks in the lower right make it a stronger comp, IMO.

Here's a vote for the first one. I like the curved lines and the greater contrast in the sticks. Wonderful stuff.

WOW!
I choose both. Each composition is equally pleasing to my eye.

At first I thought I liked the first version better, but after studying both photos, I've decided I like them equally. Really helpful I know!! The compositions and processing are very effective. Well done.

Chip, I prefer the first one, it is a much more pleasing comp. for me. This is a beautiful miniature landscape scene. Well done. Ron

Both images have a wonderful feel,,,,I really can't choose.

Both are excellent! I think I know the pond. I visited it July of 2009. Wonderful otherworldly look. Great color, shapes and form. Outstanding images.

My vote is for the first one. The curving patterns in the ice draws me right in. Love the dreamy atmosphere here. Great work Chip!

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the comments. Harley-if so, it must have looked pretty different then. I hope to revisit Jasper this summer. I've only seen the area in the dead of winter.

Amazing, both of them. I think I prefer the first one, although it's a tough decision. Processing is great, very creative work.

I love them both but would choose the first if I had to choose one for my wall. What a great pair of photos. EP if I ever saw one.

Chip,

Phenomenal! Had I seen the second one first, and alone, I would have said phenomenal too. But the first one is a clear winner for me; that is between two phenomenal images. The original post has so much more to offer - depth, flow and actually I think is more engaging, keeping me glued to this beautiful setting in nature. This is just surreal, magical. Congratulations!

Lon

I like the top image the best, but both are wonderful. Love the icy blues and metallic sheen to this.

The thumbnail doesn't do this justice! Glad I clicked on this, as both are very engaging images. I like them both for different reasons. The curves in the first definitely add interest, whereas I appreciate the simplicity of the second one.

Not sure if I can add anything else
Frozen pond? Come on Chip you can be more creative than that
Awesome abstract and you know I love ice shots. Very ghostly and even though the processing is evident it doesn't take away from the vision you had on this one. Did you desat the blues some of was it really some soft blue light?

Great job

I keep coming back to this one.

Another vote for the first and I love the glow.
Thank you for inspiring me to look in different places!

Chip,

These are amazing. Incredible glow in both of them. I love the frozen starkness of the trunks just near the ice surface. The ghostly reflections are also very mesmerizing. They are both fascinating photographs and each has its own attraction. I would have liked to see them as separate entries rather than each competing. In any case I think you should frequent this area and come up with more of this. Really brightened my evening.

Hey Chip

The first one is amazing.

Cheers

Carl

Awesome image Chip. Congrats.

Both of them are stunning and unique Chip, but my preference goes out to no.1. Congrats!

Hi Chip Both are superb compositions! I prefer the first one, because the scene. has more complexity, and holds my attention more.... Both are awesome icescapes
A well deserved E.P.. Congrats :toast
Albert Darmo. Canada:

Thanks guys! Thanks for the EP!

Congratulations, Chip!

Congrats on two beautiful images, and a bigger congrats for the well deserved EP!!! I prefer the first, btw, for the reasons many stated.

Congrats on the EP Chip, I hadn't seen this earlier. So beautiful, and unlike much of your other work, and what great lines this has throughout.

p.s. The top image gets my vote.

First one is fascinating! Second one is just spectacular! Please don't ask me to choose. Have to be a diptych. Congrats on the EP!

Chip: What an incredible find and a superb capture. I much prefer the first but the second is spectacular as well. Congrats on a marvelous shot. >=))>

congratulations on the ep, well deserved. Stellar image, Chip!

Beautiful images here, Chip. I definitely like the first one better. The curving line really adds depth and interest.

Just beautiful - congrats on the nice EP!
Sandy

Stunning Images Chip!!! Congrats on the well earned EP

Ken Archer

Luminescent....

I like both of them. They look out of this world!