Fog in the River Bottoms

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 15, 201815,383 views14 comments

This past week we had a couple of pretty rainy and foggy mornings so once again I headed into the Wisconsin River Bottoms that I so much enjoy with those conditions. On Thursday morning I hiked deeper into the bottoms that I had ever gone before and absolutely loved it. With everything wet and lots of fog it was so wonderfully quiet and mysterious. It took time before I came upon this scene and some of the fog had lifted by then, but I knew I wanted to shoot this once I came up with a composition I liked and thought was interesting.
I posted this a couple of days ago but then noticed it needed a bit more work so took it down as long as there were no comments on it yet. The top left corner had a small branch going across it that I wanted to remove and had overlooked it. Got that done now so wanted to put it back up here.
It was a fantastic morning and I only made a couple of shots but totally enjoyed it!
5DMK4, 24mm, ISO 100, F/16 at 1/6 sec. Larger view works much better. Thanks!

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on April 15, 2018 at 2:33 PM

Nick, I really like the fog, dry grasses and ghostly trees in the background...but, for me, the downed branches in the foreground obstruct the gorgeous reflections in the creek. Great location for more photo adventures.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on April 15, 2018 at 2:49 PM

Another fine, moody view, Nick. The contrast in the larger view really brings this view to life. The fallen trees are such an integral part of this kind of small stream, I like their inclusion.

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

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on April 15, 2018 at 4:28 PM

I like this image, Nick. It is moody, yet also peaceful at the same time. Interestingly, I'm not sure I would usually be a fan of the fallen branch in the foreground. However, it seems to work for this image to add depth. Nicely done!

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 15, 2018 at 5:21 PM

Thanks guys! Appreciate getting your thoughts.
Reno, For me the foreground branch was an important part of this composition and I really wanted to include it for some added interest and depth. I also understand your thinking about how it obstructs the reflections so I guess that was a draw back of including it. A good point and thank you. cool

Mark and Brian, Thanks much for taking time to comment! Cheers, Nick

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

Comment posted by Neale Dyster on April 15, 2018 at 9:06 PM

Great image Nick, I like the way the eye is lead to the "infinite" fog in the distance. Great mood in this one.

Registered on February 19, 2008, 94 Posts, 738 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on April 16, 2018 at 12:26 AM

I agree that the fg branch makes this comp more unique and expressive. The way it twists upon itself tells us how the author feels about the atmosphere of this scene. I like it.

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

Comment posted by Richard Teller on April 16, 2018 at 8:35 AM

I never tire of seeing your images. Your vision and technique always create a mood that draws me into the image. This reminds me very much of some places I grew up exploring in Iowa. When you create that kind of feeling in a person looking at the image they become a part of the image. I just won best in show with a image I shot of the eclipse and that is what the judge said is that it brought back the whole experience to her.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 16, 2018 at 9:34 AM

Neale, Igor and Richard, Thanks much for your comments! I'm very glad you liked this.
Richard, Congrats on your Eclipse image! Sounds Great. Thank you for your kind words as well. Nick

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

Comment posted by Genny K. on April 16, 2018 at 3:49 PM

Having or not having those branches in the FG really changes the feeling of the image, I think. With them in there, it is a study in depth and detail, and the contrast between them and the soft, foggy BG. If the branches were NOT in there, I think for me, the whole feeling would be much softer, more moody, and focused on curves of the water and that wonderfully soft fog.
I like it as is and suspect I would like it without the branches, too. Wonderful job of finding this, and masterful job of taking and processing the image. devil

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on April 17, 2018 at 6:42 PM

I love the mood and detail you have captured here Nick. The light and reflection are outstanding! I like how the foreground branches, reflection, and forest tress are all intertwined.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Richter on April 20, 2018 at 3:42 PM

Nick, you handled the panorama format masterfully again in my opinion. The foreground branches add a lot of interest for me, especially as they are somehow repeated by the branches in the midground. I also appreciate your processing, it gives me a very natural feel of the scene.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 20, 2018 at 4:43 PM

Genny, Eva and Peter, Very much appreciate getting your thoughts on this. I'm glad the three of you liked it. Thanks, Nick

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on May 2, 2018 at 3:25 PM

A little late to the party ... but I sure am glad that I didn't miss out on this one.

What a gorgeous scene. There is drama and mystery and at the same thing an inviting feel about it. All the fine branches provide a great deal of complexity, which in my opinion is what makes this photograph special. The fog pulls everything together by softening things just the right amount. I love the overall darkness that you have maintained.

One of your best Nick!

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on May 3, 2018 at 7:06 PM

Anil, I so much appreciate getting your comment and reading your thoughts on this one. I love the Wisconsin River Bottoms and trying to capture the look and mystery they present me. A long wet hike that morning and I totally enjoyed it.. and this is one of my favorites as well. I plan on doing a special exhibit eventually with just my images capturing the mysterious moods of these river bottoms in all seasons. Can't thank you enough for the inspiration and support from your comments over the last few years. Nick

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