Reaching for the Light

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 24, 2013200 views10 comments

Hi Everyone,

I've been a fan of NPN for some time. The images here have both inspired and motivated me toward my goal to become a better photographer. Thanks to all of you and please keep the great images coming.

So with all this inspiration coming my way I finally made the decision to throw my hat in the ring. So here it is… my first post on NPN. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback.

This image was taken close to home on the banks of the Columbia River (Wa. State side). I was drawn to the shine on the leaves along with the cloud reflections in the water. Little wind and a slow moving current allowed for a great reflection.

Tech: Cannon 5DMKII, 105mm, 1/8 second @ F16, ISO 100.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on January 24, 2013 at 2:17 PM

Beautiful first post Jack, and welcome to NPN. You caught some very nice warm light, and the comp works beautifully, I like this very much, looking forward to seeing more of your work.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 24, 2013 at 3:01 PM

Welcome to NPN! This is a neat first post. The thumb is disorienting because it seemed like shrub was floating in the sky and I suspect that's partly what you were trying for. Here I can see that it's cloud reflections in the water around the shrub. I very much like the concept and the lighting, but would like the shrub to have a bit more space at the top.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Jack Maloney on January 24, 2013 at 3:28 PM

I have to agree with you Mark. I would've liked a little more breathing room but unfortunately there was some debris right above the shrub just out of the frame.

Registered on November 5, 2004, 5 Posts, 20 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on January 24, 2013 at 6:49 PM

Ahh, but there is a solution if you can stomach some surgery

The only reason it looks tight up top is that the bottom is much bigger, it throws the balance off. IMHO, this image is meant to be balanced. To do so, you have to lose the sweet colors in the bottom llhc--but that's life! Crop just below the reflection for equal distance, and you have an absolutely killer pano. My 3 pennies! Welcome to NPN--you will never run short of inspiration in this gallery!

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

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on January 24, 2013 at 7:59 PM

Welcome to NPN and the Landscape Gallery Jack. Be sure to check out the PNW regional forum as well.

I like the subtle light and the reflection. I'm undecided about the light and dark area at the bottom of the frame. I'd be interested to see a pano crop, as suggested by Stan, for comparison.

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on January 24, 2013 at 8:25 PM

Welcome to NPN and to the landscape forum, Jack. I like the reflected light in this image. My eye is drawn somewhat to the dark area in the bottom right hand corner but it provides balance for the warm light in the upper left hand corner so I don't think its distracting.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Jack Maloney on January 24, 2013 at 10:19 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind comments, encouragement, & suggestions. It's greatly appreciated!

Ok Stan... I took your suggestion and did some surgery

. Honestly I didn't consider turning this into a pano but I have to say that for this image it works. I do miss the sweet colors in the llhc but as you can see the image is better balanced without it. Thanks!

Registered on November 5, 2004, 5 Posts, 20 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on January 25, 2013 at 6:36 AM

You nailed it with the re post Jack. Beautiful.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 25, 2013 at 8:59 AM

I very much like the abstract quality here, Jack. I know what's going on, but can easily suspend that reality and just enjoy the shapes and colors.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 25, 2013 at 10:22 AM

Hi Jack, A wonderful first post!...The light on the branches is really nice and the reflections are great. I like Stans crop suggestion with this too and your repost looks GREAT! I like the mood the crop brought to this as well.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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