Sugarland Rapids

Brian,

Welcome to the world of photography and to NPN!  

I know it takes a lot just to get up the nerve to make that first one.  I think that you may have already found that most all folks here are fair and honest with their critiques.  And we will encourage you to not be shy yourself and jump right it with comments.  We all have opinions, so no need to feel like you're not qualified, or some silly reason like that. 

I think this is an excellent first post.  The composition is nicely balanced with pretty much equal weight to the trees, the stream and the big rocks.  My biggest suggestion is something that has stuck with me for many years from my camera club days.  Simply think of the "border patrol."  Even while framing and taking the image, but more importantly as you go through processing and prepping for the web.  While not terribly distracting, there's a stick/log or rock that is well out of focus in the LRC (lwr right corner.)  There are several remedies, most of which could have been addressed at t he time of capture. But after the fact, you could try a crop, which may not be a good choice, or you could significantly darken it so it's less visible, or you could do some creative cloning.  Again, it's not a huge issue with this image overall, but just wanted to point it out - assuming you're looking for this kind of feedback?

Also, minor, but getting back to the border patrol.... checking your borders for intruding branches, eye magnets, etc., there's a brown leaf/rock along the bottom edge that pulls the eye away from the main scene.  Again, not a huge deal by any stretch, but something to consider as you prep images and make them the best they can be.

Welcome aboard!

Lon

Hi Brian, Welcome to NPN and you did it with a fine first post. I like the scene very much and it does say Smoky Mountains to me. I think Lon gave you some great suggestions on this and I do agree with every one of them. Watching the edges of the frame including corner to corner is such an important thing in your compositions. I will look forward to seeing more post from you as you continue your photography adventure. Great first post! 

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Welcome Brian, nice first post, I like your composition and balance in the image. The larger boulders in the center lead the eye through the shot.  Good feeback on the borders. My input would be to shoot with a smaller aperature, f16, to hold near and far objects in tighter focus especially when using that wide angle lens.  The stones on the far bank are a little soft. Keep shooting...

Welcome to NPN Brian.  Lovely scene with just the right exposure for the water motion.  The blur in the lowe right cornoer is a little distracting but not a deal breaker.  I like Lon's suggestion of trying to darken it a bit.  BTW - Don't be shy on commenting on other's images.

Hi Brian, welcome to NPN.  This is an excellent view up the creek with the fall colors showing nicely on the far bank and some attractive moss on the boulders along the right.  You've also captured some good flow action in the stream itself.  Yes, that oof boulder in the right corner is a bit of a distraction, but this looks very good as presented. 

Welcome Brian, nice first post, I like your composition and balance in the image. The larger boulders in the center lead the eye through the shot.  Good feeback on the borders. My input would be to shoot with a smaller aperature, f16, to hold near and far objects in tighter focus especially when using that wide angle lens.  The stones on the far bank are a little soft. Keep shooting...

Welcome and a nice first post. I really like the color and you composed it well, with the river nicely leading my attention through the frame. I like Lon's suggestions about the "stuff" on the edges.   I look forward to seeing more of your work and input on the forum!!!!

Welcome to NPN, Brian! The color looks pretty nice, and the composition works. I do agree with Lon's 'border patrol' idea, though. I know it can be difficult to see encroachments of little things on the edges, especially in a small viewfinder in dim light, but with practice, you'll start to see them. I agree this could be sharper in the foreground and background. As was suggested, a higher f-number is the ticket.

We are looking forward to seeing your progress, along with your comments on the work of others, here. NPN is a great resource for learning--take advantage of it!

--P

I agree with the suggestions about the out of focus part in the corner, other than that this is a sweet autumn scene! Welcome aboard.

It's all been said. I'll just add that I really like the scene. I also like that the river not just runs through the picture but has a 'vanishing point' at the right. As a suggestion: the use of a polarisation filter could have diminished the reflections on the boulders in the river. 

Hi Brian,

I am so glad you decided to work up the courage and post in tis gallery.

I really like what you have done with the composition as the eye is lead through the image nicely. The color look very nice too, and some very nice work on your first post. I would add some thoughts on clean up work, but what others have said are pretty much my thoughts.

Welcome to NPN and it is a fine first post. Lon has given you very good suggestions and I could not add anything that he has not already said.
 

Really nice first post.  Lot of good comments from members.  Do you use a tripod or monopod?  It does seem just a bit soft, but a 1/4 second that is hard to avoid if hand holding.   Welcome to NPN, look forward to seeing more photos from you.

Good morning,
Thank you for the warm welcome and taking away the firt time post jitters. I have learned a lot from all of you.
You all have a great eye for the detail as I did not notice the distractions in the two lower corners. 
I did not have a polarizing filter at the time but one will arrive today. The lens was purchased used about a week before the trip and I just never got around to ordering the filter. The photo is hand held which was difficult. I would have brought my dolica tripod had I known we would be able to get out of the car and walk for a bit. I would like to invest in a monopod and would gladly listen to any recommendations for a monopod for a guy like myself that is just starting out.
Thanks again for all of your help. With your assistance I will become a better photographer.

Brian Murphy