Creek During Spring Runoff

[kap55]

This was taken during last spring's runoff and the water was very muddy/dirty looking, which is why the pp is a little over the top. What I am wondering about is how distracting the log with multiple branches on the left/middle frame is. Does it bother you much or do you just accept that's how things looked that day? Also, does anybody have strong opinions about a different crop? Thanks.

[Nicks Pics]

No problem with the log at all in my opinion. Maybe helps if anything. I think showing as much of the creek as you did helps show the waters downward flow.

[IzzieK]

The branch doesn't bother me a bit -- it is the overflow of the foreground that does. It needs a bit of cropping.

[Rebel]

The shot has got a lot of potential, but I agree with Izzie I'd crop the foreground a bit

[bnnrcn]

+1 to Isabel's comment

[kap55]

OK so I took the cropping advice and applied it to another shot that was taken at the same time but at a slower shutter speed.

[Shadowman]

Not distracting at all.

[IzzieK]

Brian...I am referring to #1. I like it better if cropped at the bottom like this one. I am not such a big fan of smoothy silky flowing water at all. Many times it feels overdone. Sorry for my comment but I need to be honest...

[mugge]

The cropped image is better than the first ... the slower shutter speed does not work as well I feel
Ole

[bnnrcn]

Hi Brian I prefer #1 with a bit of a crop from the bottom. IMO #2 is a too tight frame and there is no feeling of vastness in the image.

[kap55]

Appreciate all the responses. I've taken in all the critiques and came up with the following.

[Kaye Leggett]

I think I prefer the uncropped version - your PP is balanced there but here the water is too orange and dominating. But I still agree with the others that the branch is not a distraction

[IzzieK]

Brian...too much yellow here...I should not complain but I really like the PP of #1.

[Rebel]

Hope you don't mind Brian, this is the crop I had in mind

[kap55]

Hope you don't mind Brian, this is the crop I had in mind

I don't mind at all - your crop looks good.

[bnnrcn]

I like Matt's crop

[GregP]

I agree with some kind of bottom crop. Though post-processing is fun, it invariably creates an impression of unreality. I don't think the subject lends itself particularly to 'dream' treatment. The branches were actually there and so there they should stay... and the water flowed as it did in your first photo rather than the second.

[IzzieK]

Same here...that is exactly what I was thinking in matter of cropping...Excellent.