Silky Falls

[SwissJon]

Yeah, I know, it's yet another "Falls" photo with the water looking silky. But hey, I like photos like that.

What I'd like to know is mainly regarding the colour balance. The photo was taken with a B&W 6 stop ND filter, I haven't corrected the colour temperature, although I did adjust the saturation a little, as I find that my Nikon tends to desaturate photographs if you compare it with my Sony.

Initially I posted this with a bit to spare on the rithg hand side of the histogram, but I decided to increase the brightness until the histogram was just below the right hand edge and there were no washed out areas. I'm not sure if I overbrightened? Maybe this would be better a little darker? I considered going B&W on this, but decided I liked the colour version better.

As far as the composition goes, I'm reasonably happy with it.. There's a stick poking out of the water about 1/2 way up, it should be reasonably easy to clone out.. Should I? What about the top of the rock at the very bottom right? I kinda like that because it brings the picture to a halt and stops the eye falling out of the picture if you see what I mean? It would be a cinch to clone that out, but I'm not sure it needs to be?

This picture is completely uncropped.. Exactly as shot, so I'm happy with the way it turned out.. Should I crop anything?

Any other comments are more than welcome, as always.

Exif Data:
Lens: AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 16-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED
Focal length: 85*mm*(equiv. 127*mm)
Aperture: F13
Exposure time: 15" (+2*EV)
ISO speed rating: 100/21°
Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Center-weighted average
White Balance: AUTO1
Focus Mode: Manual
Image Stabilizer: Off
Noise Reduction: Off
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode

I used a 6 stop B&W Filter

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Great shot, I like silky smooth too. I'm no expert but that stick annoyed me before I read what you had to say and I also think the bottom RH rock should stay.

[Jinks]

I'm not a big fan of silky water but that's a personal thing. I really like the colours and the effect you've achieved in the shot.

In short, the stick goes - the rock stays.

[dvtldav]

Nice shot. I like the silky smooth water and for me the stick doesn't bother me as that is part of nature and keep the rock.

Dave

[EOBeav]

Jon, that 15 seconds exposure time was perfect for this. That's some really nice detail in the falls. As per my comment on Flickr, I think the composition is fantastic. The stream leads me right through those rocks and settles me on the falls.

This is not a criticism in any way, but just a comment. I wonder how differently the top of that stream would look if you'd used a polarizer? You would be able to see through the water a little more and see the detail in the stream bed, but I don't know if that would add to or detract from this shot. It's just something to think about.

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[dakwegmo]

The composition of this shot is excellent and the exposure seems to be spot on for the water. I also think the shot would have benefited from the use of a polarizer, though for me it has to do with the reflection on the rocks rather than seeing into the water. The rocks aren't over-exposed by any means, but the reflections make me think glare, and that detracts from the image.

If it were my shot, I would go ahead and clone out the stick. Also, the one little stream of water at the top right is a bit of a distraction for me. I don't think you can crop it without losing either the rock on the bottom right which is a good anchor, or cutting off the top of the falls. That said, I think I'd try to darken that area a bit so the water isn't so prominent there.

[zona5101]

i think it is practically perfect, a really exceptional shot. Agree w/ PPs, maybe clone out the stick, it would simplifiy the shot.

[greenroomsessions]

I really like these types of shots. I really like this shot and have never taken one at 15 seconds, I am going to try this out. I think that the stick should go but it doesn't bother me that much and the rock should stay. Really nice!

[SwissJon]

Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by EOBeav

Jon, that 15 seconds exposure time was perfect for this. That's some really nice detail in the falls. As per my comment on Flickr, I think the composition is fantastic. The stream leads me right through those rocks and settles me on the falls.

This is not a criticism in any way, but just a comment. I wonder how differently the top of that stream would look if you'd used a polarizer? You would be able to see through the water a little more and see the detail in the stream bed, but I don't know if that would add to or detract from this shot. It's just something to think about.

Hmm.. Hadn't thought about a CPL, it's a thought, next time I go for a shot like this I'll have a play.. I found this stream by purchasing a hiking book of the area.. And then getting lost on the way to where the book told me to start hiking.. Don't know if I'll find it again which is a shame, because I notice I've got a little movement blur on the rocks.. They aren't as clear as the landscape oriented shot I took at the same time which was 4 secs and had VR on.. But maybe I'm just my own worse critic.. This was taken from a bridge and the dog was a bit restless, so I can imagine there was a bit of vibration over those 15 secs.

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

The composition of this shot is excellent and the exposure seems to be spot on for the water. I also think the shot would have benefited from the use of a polarizer, though for me it has to do with the reflection on the rocks rather than seeing into the water. The rocks aren't over-exposed by any means, but the reflections make me think glare, and that detracts from the image.

If it were my shot, I would go ahead and clone out the stick. Also, the one little stream of water at the top right is a bit of a distraction for me. I don't think you can crop it without losing either the rock on the bottom right which is a good anchor, or cutting off the top of the falls. That said, I think I'd try to darken that area a bit so the water isn't so prominent there.

I've cloned the stick out and will upload the adjusted image later.. I see what you mean about that little side stream, it wasn't so promenant on the original.. It's in a black area, so I might be able to clone it out, if not I'll d&b it away (I can never remember if it's dodging or burning that makes things darker.)

[tlpphoto]

As others have said, really nice shot. Great composition and exposure. I'd like to find a stream like this around where I live.

I agree that cloning out the stick and the small stream in the upper right is a good idea. I don't think you should clone/crop out the rock in the bottom right. However, the top of that rock is very high contrast compared to the rest of the scene. Perhaps if you cloned a little of that dark rock, just to the right of the stick, onto the top of the rock in the bottom right it would reduce the overall contrast, yet still provide a natural stop for your eye.

Just a thought,
Tim