Spring Melodies

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 8, 2011450 views27 comments

Starved Rock, LaSalle Canyon

I should have called this the waiting game but what a beautiful day to wait. Two hours passed before I even set up my camera. Crowds shuffled past. Families, lovers, friends, dogs, and groups of photogaphers. I patiently waited as 100% of the shooters focused on the main falls and such. I walked the creek further back trail and then sat and waited. Swallows flew overhead and a stinkbug landed on my pant leg. Springs harmonies were in full accord.

I don't usually shoot scenes twice but after a successful fall image it was time to give spring her chance. The cloudy morning gave way to some some sun and I needed to wait for some clouds to pass overhead to get the light I was looking for.

Processing was pretty standard with lightroom handling the raw adjustments.
Photoshop consisted of darkening and blur mix then painted some light back into shadow areas. Tk's lum masks and adj. to color balance.

Canon 40D
28mm
CPL
1/5 sec. @ f 14
iso 200

Comments

27 comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on May 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM

This is wonderful, Anthony. I really enjoy the feel of this image. Well worth your wait

I really like the light, your comp is great, and wonderful colors! Very nice work! I would like to make it down there one of these days.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Kartik Venkatarama on May 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM

Great comp and mood...I do feel like it has an "Orton effect" applied that seems strong. This is a great location in the Fall...last saw it 10 years ago!

Registered on July 27, 2007, 197 Posts, 830 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on May 8, 2011 at 7:01 PM

Thanks Kartik
Nick, let me know I would be glad to meet you up there. Fall is nice as is winter.

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on May 8, 2011 at 7:03 PM

Sounds good Anthony. I'll see if I can work that out and let you know! Cheers, Nick

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on May 8, 2011 at 7:06 PM

Looks beautiful, Anthony! I wouldn't fret over shooting it multiple times, especially if it's over the course of different seasons. The processing looks excellent to me. The blur might not be for everyone, but I like it quite a bit. It certainly gives a painterly look.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on May 8, 2011 at 7:06 PM

Looks like a fun place! Feel the top left is a bit too empty for me. Moving (if possible) to the right to minimize that space and bring the two main elements a bit closer together might work better. Great job w/ the light and processing. :)

aF

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on May 8, 2011 at 7:11 PM

Thanks Chris
Aaron- Ya I currently have only one lens so I would have opted for a wide angel here but waiting on the Mark 3 upgrade while I save. I waded out and am against the wall here. This was the only option with given lens. I wish I could have tried something wider but oh well. Appreciate the feedback.

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on May 8, 2011 at 7:18 PM

Nicely composed and processed. The bright green at the top pulls my eye back to start over and flow through the scene.

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on May 8, 2011 at 7:23 PM

Hi Anthony,
Very ethereal and dreamy image, the colors and the light are really perfect.
A great image.

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by James Fougère on May 8, 2011 at 7:54 PM

It is a nice scene, where your patience paid off

This type of scene lends well to the "painting presentation". You may pull back some of the blur effect, but that is just one choice. Either way I like it !

Registered on October 25, 2010, 41 Posts, 831 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on May 8, 2011 at 9:07 PM

I usually don't click the larger photos, but wanted to see this one, Anthony. The water provides two great focal points and the rest of the scene almost seems like it's painted. This is really lovely.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Danny Laureys on May 8, 2011 at 9:54 PM

Excellent!!!!

Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments

Comment posted by Taylor Reed on May 8, 2011 at 11:23 PM

Nice energy in this composition and I really dig the color in the trees above. Gotta make it up there some time!

Registered on February 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 556 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on May 8, 2011 at 11:28 PM

A beautiful scene. There is a little too much Orton effect here for m taste, as it comes across a little too blurred. I would see if you can do some selective masking in certain areas. I do love the comp and beauty of the scene though.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 41 Posts, 608 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on May 9, 2011 at 12:04 AM

Anthony I really like the image and the mood presented here. Nice shot!

I would be inclined to reduce the glow effect in localized areas erasing in certain areas (prob the right wall a little).

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on May 9, 2011 at 12:14 AM

Wonderful composition with the two opposing falls. The spring feel is great, too - I really love the bright green window at the top. The ortony effect is a little strong for my taste.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on May 9, 2011 at 12:29 AM

Stunning, Anthony. Your composition, with the lines of the rock strata contrasting with the flow of the water, and the placement of all elements, is superb. Well worth waiting the hours and putting up with the crowds and all. Your patience really paid off.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on May 9, 2011 at 7:38 AM

i like the comp - works well for me. i'm not 100% convinced about orton application ...

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on May 9, 2011 at 8:45 AM

I really like the composition and the soft light here. I also like the slight blur.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on May 9, 2011 at 10:29 AM

This is really nice Anthony! A wonderful composition and the processing makes it sing! One of your best IMO.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on May 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM

I love the subdued look and feel of this--looks like a fine painting!

EDIT: i just glanced back at the comments. You know, i didnt even notice the orton effect--if i had stared at it a bit i might have slammed you for being too ortonized. But sometimes, first impressions are more important, and i think it works here for me at least.

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on May 9, 2011 at 12:43 PM

A wonderful soft and intimate scene.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on May 9, 2011 at 1:13 PM

Beautiful shot Anthony! I really like the Orton effect you've applied!

Registered on May 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 655 Comments

Comment posted by Phil Pogledich on May 9, 2011 at 7:08 PM

Interesting (in a good way) juxtaposition of elements and processing. Very moody and effective . . . well worth the wait.

Registered on August 24, 2009, 123 Posts, 3099 Comments

Comment posted by Vlad Sadovsky on May 10, 2011 at 12:07 AM

Nice work, light is beautifully reproduced

Registered on November 12, 2010, 48 Posts, 358 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on May 10, 2011 at 8:24 AM

Beautiful, intimate stream shot Anthony. Wonderful colors and light, and I really like this comp. I would consider turning down the "glow" some, feels a tad strong in the web presentation.

Great capture.

Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Cram on May 10, 2011 at 12:05 PM

Very nice!

Registered on June 4, 2006, 204 Posts, 818 Comments