Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: Chris Calohan on July 23, 2013, 04:33:56 pm

Title: Falling Waters
Post by: Chris Calohan on July 23, 2013, 04:33:56 pm
Highest waterfall in Florida at over 200 feet high - but drops into an extremely deep sinkhole for its height. Recent rains have made it quite a sight.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9354569226_82a3bc2a73_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Chris Calohan on August 07, 2013, 11:16:20 am
Got no remarks on this image so figured it must suck even worse than I thought...but the old dog has learned a wee bit about luminosity blending and is now scarier than ever before...but I am getting there.

So, how about this:

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9459779276_94d9e1e1fb_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Paulo Bizarro on August 07, 2013, 11:53:15 am
Seeing it for the first time, I prefer version 1, due to the warmth.
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Isaac on August 07, 2013, 12:30:06 pm
Got no remarks on this image so figured it must suck even worse than I thought...

What would be a new way to show a waterfall? Seems like the different thing is the sinkhole but you don't show us that.
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on August 07, 2013, 01:29:44 pm
What would be a new way to show a waterfall? Seems like the different thing is the sinkhole but you don't show us that.
I agree. And it looks to me as if in the second version you cloned out some of the vegetation at the left edge, perhaps to focus attention on the waterfall.
But IMHO, instead of distraction, the greenery provided desirable context. So I prefer the first version. But it would be much nicer if you had been able to add a good bit more to the bottom to include the "black hole," perhaps with a stitched vertical pano?
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Justan on August 07, 2013, 04:01:34 pm
...has learned a wee bit about luminosity blending ...


Are you willing to elaborate upon some of what you’ve learned about luminosity blending or perhaps reference some sources for learning about this?
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Tonysx on August 07, 2013, 06:46:36 pm
What would be a new way to show a waterfall? Seems like the different thing is the sinkhole but you don't show us that.
I guess that's why my images of Kaieteur, Niagara and Victoria will all stay in the vault. It's all been done before.
Nice shot Chris, a toss up as to which I prefer. But if that had been Niagra.......
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: brandtb on August 07, 2013, 08:01:10 pm
I think you're on to something that it might not be a such a good image.  Although it is water (a waterfall) traveling downward through foliage, with some sidelight. Is the water falling that interesting, not really. is the foliage or landscape above and below or around it interesting, not really.

One of the best things about my wife is this...she is a fantastic photo editor...she learned from her dad Ted Croner. I present images from shoots sometimes of questionable interest or value..and she basically shoots straight...if it's not good...she simply says NO. She's not always right but 98% of the time. Often times I'm a bit taken aback (and why wouldn't I be - most everyone loves 24/7 approbation)...but you know...that bit of constructive criticism is infinitely helpful to me...why? Because I don't waste time on an image I shouldn't waste time on.

This is not a good image, and perhaps your times would be better spent on another. Tempus Fugit.
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Tonysx on August 07, 2013, 08:19:03 pm
...but you know...that bit of constructive criticism is infinitely helpful to me...
Ah yes, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. And how much of that is in this thread?
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Chris Calohan on August 07, 2013, 09:07:49 pm

Are you willing to elaborate upon some of what you’ve learned about luminosity blending or perhaps reference some sources for learning about this?

I've been working my way through Sean Bagshaw's Luminosity blending tutorials using Tony Kuyper's actions. Tough learning curve but an enjoyable one.

http://www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/ (http://www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/)
Title: Re: Falling Waters
Post by: Justan on August 08, 2013, 12:26:55 pm
Thanks!