Desert Waterfall

[Downrigger]

This is sited on the flanks of Boulder Mountain, on an infrequently used trail at the boundary between the conifers and redneck/slickrock of the Capitol Reef. I would really appreciate some comments, criticism and suggestions.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, very dreamlike.

[purplehaze]

I wouldn't know how to improve on that, Mark. I think it's terrific as is. I love the bowing of branch, tree, waterfall and rock across the frame. Well seen.

[Nicks Pics]

I wouldn't know how to improve on that, Mark. I think it's terrific as is. I love the bowing of branch, tree, waterfall and rock across the frame. Well seen.

I think that is a good observation. There are similar bending, or flowing shapes throughout the image.

Sorry, I don't have many dis-likes about it, except that, if i would try to be very picky, the bit of the sky that is peeking through at the top-center of the image was a little out of dynamic range coverage, which is not usually a desirable appearance. You could try to bring those highlights down or something.

[Downrigger]

Thanks all, I appreciate the kind remarks. Nick, I saw your point during my PP and did bring the top center sky down quite a bit. I'll see if it will put up with more. As for the bending and bowing - those were simply the lines I was given, it was left to me to push a button.

[Manfred M]

Mark this is a great shot.

I've looked at some of the other comments and what strikes me is that big bright rock, between the waterfall and the tree pulls the viewer's eye right into the centre of the image; which is where you want it to be. I didn't even notice the waterfall at first, until I started to open up my viewpoint and saw the tree and finally the water towards the bottom of the image, and then I moved up to see the water cascading over the rock. What a great visual experience!

Excellent composition and execution!

[FootLoose]

Great composition, Mark. I like the way the vertical line of the tree is reiterated in the waterfall, too. But also have the leading lines of the rock face appearing to radiate out from the centre of the frame.

[Rita]

Mark, I keep looking at this image and I really like it. A bit real and a bit fantasy looking. Can't say that I have seen a waterfall that looked like this. I like it because it is different.

[Downrigger]

Thanks so much Manfred, Greg, and Rita. Manfred & Greg - your comments are insightful - your analyses exceed my intentions at the time of capture. It is indeed an unusual, off the beaten path, and unique little spot, Rita. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what it is that I like about this since it really has an awful lot (too much perhaps) going on. Compositionally, as you folks suggest, it seems to have a couple of superimposed schemes with a waterfall thrown in for good measure.

[flashback]

I don't get the 'too much going on' thing. It's like saying the food has too many smells, or the music has too many notes (or instruments). It is what it is and it is really cool. My *only* thought is that is appears a bit over saturated? If not then this particular waterfall has some amazing colors. Regardless, I like this image a lot and a good blend of freeze-frame and silky water flow.

[Downrigger]

Yes, Jack, the saturation is worth noting. This was mostly pretty dim and damp and very saturated if you can picture it - what happened with the image I present is that it has been brightened some to get a more complete histogram, but this was done without sacrificing the saturation. Maybe if I presented it in a lower key the saturation would not strike one in the same way.

[Downrigger]

Here, Jack. The top three zones have been amputated in this version and the natural dimness recapitulated without touching saturation and here the saturation does not strike one so much. I do not prefer this version though, it better replicates what was there, but poorly shows what I saw.

[GBO25]

I like the shot Mark. The curves all add to the effect nicely. It's great.
My only suggestion would be that if you can get back there on a cloudy day (if there ever is one in the desert) then the light will be much kinder in regard to dynamic range and blown highlights. I've found waterfalls and rain forests are best shot on cloudy days.

[Stagecoach]

Great image Mark, needs to be seen full size to appreciate the detail and you really get drawn into it.

[Ndukes]

Great composition beautifully executed, Mark.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi there Mark,

I have read many of the other comments and seen your second version - like you, I prefer the first, all that seems to have happened in the second is that it is effectively now globally under exposed.

If mine:
I would tackle this by going with the first version, but on a separate layer, enhancing the Local Contrast of just the waterfall, then masking to reveal this part, over the rest of the image. I probably haven't explained that very well but hopefully you get the idea - and that you have an image editor that allows it.

This would brighten up the whites of the water to equal the sunlit rock and address Manfred's point. I appreciate it may not be how it was, but (I think) it will make a better image.

HTH, Dave

[IzzieK]

Mark...excellent shot you did here...I can't keep my eyes off the top where the curve first happened leading to the water falling hitting the rocks down below. Beautiful, calming place to be alone during the summer and it will be cool and wet too. I cannot describe this place in words very well but I know in my mind I'd like to be there.

[Downrigger]

Thanks all. It is helpful to have these ideas. Graham, this is in fact shot in a lightly overcast afternoon, but it is still a very bright sky relative to most of the scene, and I have brought that sky down as much as I can. We’ll see what nature affords me next time I visit this spot.

Thanks Izzie, Grahame, Neville. Was indeed a place that drew one in, a sense special intimacy.

Dave – shown here is an effort to address your suggestions. I agree this is more balanced – and perhaps superior as a composition. The brightness of the falls better matches that of the rocks better matches that of the rocks beyond.

What is lost for me in this more accessibly composed version is the sense that I had when there of a secreted sensuousness of moisture and dimness in the midst of more conventionally seen lighter places. So to me, the competing versions – the initial and this correction, present a competition between composition and story. Perhaps I only like the first better because I was there, the second being superior for sharing with others.

[NorthernFocus]

Hi, Mark. You picked a great angle for this shot and composed it well overall. The natural inclination(which you avoided) is to shoot falls from square in front. With your description of the location and what you experienced while there along with the low flow type fall that it is IMO make this spot an ideal candidate for a long shutter. Under those conditions the misty effect achieved with a slow shutter can really give that cool, damp feeling of moisture in the air. That really is a lovely little spot and well captured.

[Wavelength]

Very beautiful..... lovely......