Bottomed Out

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 19, 2017257 views8 comments

Greetings, well, back from another hiatus, although this time not as long as the last time. It seems that I'm just not out doing photography as much any more. That is unless I'm hanging out with Preston!

As he mentioned in his new posts we spent a couple of days up on Sonora Pass. Had a great time as always. It's beautiful country up there!

This image is actually the very bottom of the Stair Falls of Preston's recent post. In fact this is probably at least 12-15ft below the bottom of his image. Preston would know better I think, but I would guess the total height of hte cascade to be maybe 40ft or so? PB, what do you think?

The difficulty we had that day was that we visited the beautifuly little scene mid day in bright sun. Some clouds were building so we waited a bit for the sun to hide behind a cloud or at least partially so the light wasn't so harsh. Here, the bottom of the cascade was mostly in shade, but you can see some areas hit with a little more light. I like the color variation of the rock and the water dispersing over and around them.

You comments and suggestions always welcome. I'll be sharing a few more, but not until next weekend. Tomorrow my wife and I are heading up the north coast of CA for some R&R.

Thanks!

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on August 19, 2017 at 4:20 PM

It's amazing how different this image feels from 'PB's' even though it's the same subject. This one is much more somber and has a different message. I think the areas of sunlight really work well with the overall sense of it. The lone rock center left really stands out and almost has a personality. Maybe it's just me, but I tend to see personalities in rocks. The only thing I would have done differently would be to use a faster SS to give more a sense of movement so that it doesn't look like fog creeping over the rocks. The entire image is well composed and holds well together within the frame.

Glad to have you back and hope to see some redwood images from your upcoming vacation.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on August 19, 2017 at 4:58 PM

Nice to see a new post from you, Lon. This is really nicely composed with the rocks forming sort of a triangle. I feel like just a bit more space on the left would be good if you have it. The dappled light on the rocks is sweet as well. Overall, a fine intimate waterfall image.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on August 19, 2017 at 6:34 PM

I think this came out very well, considering the trials we were having with the light, as you mentioned. The dappled light on the rocks carries this one, in my opinion.

I agree with Igor that the rocks have great character, and a life of their own. This is partly due to the excellent processing.

Lon, I am not sure about the total height of the falls, but I would say, 40 feet, or better.
--P

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

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on August 19, 2017 at 7:59 PM

This is nice, Lon. I really like the light on the foreground rocks. The comp works well too - I like how the water flow fills the frame. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work again.

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

Comment posted by gary phillips on August 20, 2017 at 1:24 AM

First of all, let me welcome you back, Lon. I have missed your considerable eye and thoughtful comments. Again, as with Preston, your signature is unmistakable. I love how you dealt with the mid-day light. The detail in the rocks and, differing from Igor, I love your chosen SS. The water appears to caress the slightly off-centered boulder that brings this image to life. Beautifully done.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on August 20, 2017 at 9:52 PM

Glad to see you back and posting, Lon. This intimate landscape works very well with the dappled lighting on the rocks as the water winds it's way around the scene. If I had to make a suggestion it would be for just a bit more room on the left, but that certainly is not a deal breaker as this is lovely as is. I look forward to more images from your trip.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on August 22, 2017 at 8:54 AM

Lon, this is quite a contrast compared to the image Preston posted. Hard to see them being both of the same water scene. But, on the other hand I know how just moving around just a bit can make a completely new scene.

For as low as the light is here you've pulled out some excellent detail in the entire scene. The water flow is just perfect and makes the scene very peaceful....... laugh

btw: Welcome back. Although admittedly I'm not here as often either....... indecision

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on August 24, 2017 at 6:49 PM

Nice job on this, Lon. Excellent comp and I especially like the color, textures and detail in these rocks. The flowing water over and around them works and looks great. Very nice!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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