My Merced Textures

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 19, 2011153 views14 comments

I wish I could say it was an epic expenditure of energy to get this shot. But to be honest, it was about 20 or so paces from the car, down to the river's edge. Just a nice January afternoon, standing next to a friend(Lon), and enjoying the day. Kind of like today, with family and friends maybe? I thought it was interesting to see how we each percieved our images from the day, and how the processing is noticeably individual. I think I naturally lean toward a cooler presentation, as it seems to be the trend with many of my images. I actually warmed the color balance up in this a bit. I will admit, I nudged and pursuaded every nuance of color and light I could get out of this file. I hope it looks like a skillful attempt, and not one that went awry! I think you'd be suprised at how little pushing it took to get to this result. large version included, have a look. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy father's day, everyone!

D200,
18-70mm,
3/4sec, F/22

Chris

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Paul Duval on June 19, 2011 at 6:05 PM

Chris,

The warmth is nice and what a contrast to the raging river that is the Merced right now. I like the coppery tones and the wet rock, the part out of the water even has a slightly metallic look to it. The water has good flow and motion as well. I have a couple of Merced images I need to process from this weekend and I hope they turn out as well as this. They will be quite a bit more chaotic and cool I think though.

Paul

Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments

Comment posted by Sarah Marino on June 19, 2011 at 6:24 PM

Hi Chris - I am glad I opened up this image, as there is a lot to enjoy here. I really like the texture of the water and the subtle reflections. I also like the look of the wet rock. I do not think you pushed anything too far - I really like this presentation of this image.

Registered on November 10, 2008, 23 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Crabbe on June 19, 2011 at 8:57 PM

Very nice image. Quite well done with the composition and color. 20 Paces, huh? Don't feel bad; I've walked less than that in Yosemite Valley. :)

Registered on November 1, 2003, 182 Posts, 1840 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on June 19, 2011 at 9:34 PM

The texture in this is really nice, Chris, and so is the light. I was having a sidebar with Lon about the great textures he gets in the water with the 4x5, but, at least in comparing both your larger versions, I can's say I can see all that much difference. This must just be some wonderfully textured water.

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

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on June 19, 2011 at 10:45 PM

This is very nice, Chris. There are indeed wonderful textures, here. I do find that the specular relections on the rock on the left grab my eye. I really like how the the three rocks form a nice triangle with the apex pointing in the direction of the water flow; nice touch.

"This must just be some wonderfully textured water. "

They do call the Sierra The Range of Light, and that quality is nicely revealed in this image.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on June 20, 2011 at 2:24 AM

super! well processed - colours work well. gorgeous textures.

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

Comment posted by Robert Stough on June 20, 2011 at 7:23 AM

Really well done Chris. The shutter speed is fast enough to retain a lot of detail in the water and the composition draws you into the scene very nicely. Excellent work.

Registered on November 20, 2010, 26 Posts, 273 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on June 20, 2011 at 10:51 AM

Beautiful colors and water patterns. The warmed up looks works very well. I might tone down or lightly clone the bright spots on the rock. I find they pull my eyes there, while my brain wants to enjoy the water patterns and colors. Minor, though. Very fine image.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on June 20, 2011 at 11:53 AM

This is well done Chris. It has some wonderful textures.The colors are pleasing. You did a good job processing this image

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on June 20, 2011 at 1:55 PM

Chris,

Texture indeed. Where on earth did you get the title?

Skillful job in the processing too me thinks. I like the warmer presentation, yet I still see some coolness in the lighter textures of the flowing waters.

The highlights on the rock don't bother me so much. What draws my eye more is the whitewater gathering in the lower left third. I might consider Harley's 15% cloning technique and bring in a bit more texture there. To me it's onthe verge of having little texture or detail there. Minor observation though.

Wonderful streamside image. Next time, lets not give away our "epic expenditure efforts."

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on June 20, 2011 at 9:00 PM

I don't freaking know, very nice compared to Lon's as well. Great spot, great shot, that's about all I can say about both.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on June 21, 2011 at 1:38 AM

Gorgeous textures in the water, Chris. Love the range of tones you achieved; the mix of warm tones and cool tones works so very well. Don't think you over did anything with this. Really beautiful image. As far as the 'expenditure of energy', I think Morris has a quote from Edward Weston about things more than 6 feet from the car not being photogenic.

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on June 21, 2011 at 11:12 AM

I always seem to enjoy these types of abstracts, and this is no exception. Beautiful textures and nice, subtle coloration. Very nice comp too.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on June 21, 2011 at 12:54 PM

Beautifully composed Chris! The large version is very enjoyable. The water texture looks fine, I also like the wet rock and how the light bounces off there. That large white area in the lower left fg is a tad distracting (white, no features in some parts). Nik Color efex (tonal contrast filter) does wonder in such situations - brings out detail in white areas quite well.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments