Tale of Two Days

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 4, 20178,634 views20 comments

Here is another, actually two, from my trip to the Eastern Sierra a few weeks ago. On the first morning I headed up McGee Creek canyon and stopped by this location that I have stopped at in years past. A pleasant surprise to find this small frozen branch overhanging the creek. On this morning though, I was late and the sun was already filtering through causing hot spots in the creek and raising the contrast. The result is the second image. Knowing the temps would remain cold I figured this would still be hear the next morning and so I returned a bit earlier the following day, which is this image here.

I like both for different reasons and would love to here your feedback, comments and suggestions on either, or both.

First image here is a single frame. The second is a manual blend of two images, primarily to get the icy branch in focus throughout it's length.

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

20 comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM

2nd image, first day.

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

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on November 4, 2017 at 2:23 PM

Lon, this is quite nice having the ice on the branch. I agree about the contrast of the other, as the chaos of the moving water fights for attention.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 4, 2017 at 2:32 PM

Lon, I really like the first one much better even though both a very nice. I love the wider view of the first and also the water looks great in that one to me. The slight blue tones look fantastic as does the motion. A wonderful intimate image.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 4, 2017 at 3:54 PM

I really like both and can't choose a favorite (and luckily, I don't have to). Both are similar, yet convey a very different look and mood. Excellent on both!

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

Comment posted by Bruce King on November 4, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Cool shot Lon...I prefer the second version...it's sharper, the composition is pleasing to my eye and it seems a longer exposure was applied making the water softer but the subject is razor sharp...solid work devil

Registered on January 14, 2010, 276 Posts, 2212 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on November 4, 2017 at 6:21 PM

I like the original more because of the color, the composition, and the handling of the water. If you could clone out the microroots on the root so that there are clear lines it would improve the image measurably.

I would title this image 'The Claw and the ___'. Fill in the blank. In fact this is similar to an image I was thinking of posting but haven't done so.

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

Comment posted by Bill Fach on November 4, 2017 at 6:27 PM

Lon: What a great find and superb captures both. I think I do prefer the slightly wider view of the first but both are exceptional. 2 thumbs up.>=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Kearl on November 4, 2017 at 7:05 PM

1st one for me, the light in the bronze water is the highlight.

Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on November 4, 2017 at 8:43 PM

Wonderful juxtaposition, Lon. The iced branch stands out beautifully against the blurred water. Both nice but think I prefer the richer colors and water action in the first.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on November 5, 2017 at 4:39 AM

Fist one gets my vote easily, much the better photo, lots going on...more and better water flows, I like the thinner ice and the detail on the twig, the dark background matches nicely. I think shutter speed perfect to have the scratchy water contract so nicely with the stationary icicle...very nice and new

Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on November 5, 2017 at 7:40 AM

Hi Lon,

I like the first version over the second, the branches are a bit sharper in this one and I like the range of color as well. In your second version, I doi like the streakiness of the flowing water and the haze at the bottom of the frame. Well done...............Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on November 5, 2017 at 12:42 PM

Both are wonderful and portray two entirely different moods to me, Lon. The original is moody and a little somber while the second version is more airy and cheerful; at least to me. Hard to choose a favorite, but I give a slight edge to the first as I really like the water textures better

Ed

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

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on November 6, 2017 at 7:38 AM

Lon ..I love this. I initially thought that the branch interrupts the beautiful waterfall. But then the ice made all the difference ..beautifully crafted. Love the first one

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Moreau on November 6, 2017 at 10:56 AM

Lon, this is really nice! I prefer the original post, for the softer light and better texture in the water. The abstract, painterly nature of the whitewater at the bottom is just about perfect to me. The whitewater also creates a nice background and frame at the same time. Although a small detail, I also love the small patches of white in the upper left, they add an interesting bit of texture. Really, really great photo.

Registered on April 21, 2015, 64 Posts, 584 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on November 6, 2017 at 2:10 PM

Finally getting around to commenting on a few posts. Nice post here, Lon. At first, I was bothered by the lack of detail in the falls but after thinking about it I like it as is. More detail in the water would take attention away from the frozen twig. The twig itself has a nice "poetic" look to it, if that makes any sense at all. All in all, a nice image to view and enjoy.

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

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on November 7, 2017 at 9:25 AM

The first shot strikes me as much the stronger, Lon. The relationship between that seemingly threatening forked branch and the waters benefits from the contrast in tones. There's a powerful, dark quality to that image, missing from the second version.

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lowe on November 7, 2017 at 10:42 PM

Lon, the original post in my opinion, just rocks it. One of my favorite images of yours. The higher contrast image, uh, not so much to be honest.

Registered on February 11, 2004, 777 Posts, 5252 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on November 8, 2017 at 1:11 PM

Hi Lon,
I much prefer the first one partly because of the colors, but mostly the comp. It just has more shapes in it, which I like. I've got a similar one from Bishop Creek, but this is much better. I love the way the ice daggers are pointing down into the abyss. Lovely work!

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 8, 2017 at 1:42 PM

Thank you so much for all the comments! Most favor the original post, and I do as well. I appreciate the comments very much. And no suggestions or nits so I don't need to repost! :-)

Lon

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on November 11, 2017 at 12:37 PM

Very beautiful Lon. The ice coated branch is a striking subject and I love how you have crafted the overall composition. Also find myself enjoying the soft delicate light.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments