I just returned from a weeklong tour with Marc Adamus in the Northwest, and safe to say that my mind is blown. I've rarely come across a photographer with so much knowledge, and with such a willingness to share it with others. Yes, I know that I'm not saying something new here, but I definitely learnt a heck of a lot from him. This is an image from the iconic Panther falls. The hike down here was pretty interesting to see the least. The water was freezing cold and after a couple of minutes in it, I lost any sense that I had feet. In the end though, it was totally worth it.
Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this image.
Cheers
Sairam 
Comments
13 commentsSuper cool image. The vignetting and mistiness really add markedly to the drama. Did you add an Orton type effect to this?
The green slopes on the left and right draw the eye towards the center where the water-flow and cascades delivers and entertains. The range of tones and how well you managed those emerald greens makes this enchanting and vibrant. Well done! I think you could crop a bit from the left, right and bottom to add impact - as the center area seems small with respect to the entire content. I am sure you had a great time...look forward to seeing more posts.
Thanks for the feedback guys!
Daniel, yes, some light orton glow was applied to only the highlights.
Ken, I'm on the fence about cropping. Don't want to cut out something partially, but I can totally see what you mean by making the central part larger.
Beautiful scene, this is the kind of falls that I love to see: green all around with a nice flow of water, the white flow looks to light the scene and the vignetting reinforces this idea of a retired place. Very nice work.
I'm really glad you still have your feet, Sairam.
I think that standing mid stream is a very effectine way to photograph moving water. I might think about some neoprene socks for this endeavor. Love this image. Everything came together nicely. Amazing vibrant greens, SS seems just right, and the Orton effect along with the vignette culminate in a real winner. Nice work.
Looks like a tremendous place. The FG seems to take up a pretty large part of the image while the most interest is back near the falls. Many of the images I see from the Gorge have the Orton applied, so the effect has lost its appeal for me in most cases. Maybe you have other perspectives of the falls.
Beautiful waterfall and sweet scene. Real nice work.
Nice work getting down there... You captured the dark atmosphere of the deep gorge but I think a crop of about 2/3 around the falls would work really well...
Beautifully done and the light and your presentation is totally engaging.
Neatly composed frame, Sairam. The light, the shades of green and the glow from Orton effect adds to the mood.
Rgds,
Bala
Beautiful flow and love the slightly misty atmosphere. I can totally relate tto what you say about Marc. I did two tours with him last year and learnt so much, my photography went to a whole new level. I also got frost-nipped toes in the Yukon!!!
Thanks Jean! It was so beautiful to see in person. Honestly, no image does the scene justice!
Thanks Gary. Yep, I had some neoprene shoes, but regular socks. After a point of wading in, the water leaked into the shoes and boy was it cold!
In the end it was definitely worth it!
Thanks for the feedback,Harry. I wanted to use the water action to lead to the falls, and then past it to the light beyond. A tighter angle would cut out some of the water action near the edge of the frame which I was keen to avoid. Regarding the Orton effect applied here : I barely used it, and only to guide the eye towards the light. Much of the glow in the upper areas was already in the scene as sunlight started hitting the upper falls.
Thanks Harley, Dan, Tony and Bala! Much appreciated!
Totally get what you mean, Hillary! Marc is a great teacher, and his knowledge of weather and light is definitely unparalleled. Learnt so much in 1 week
Very nice Sairam. I look forward to more from your week!