Nature's Waterfall

[Kathy O]

This is a waterfall that we came across as we were hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, it was a welcome resting spot after a strenuous climb. I have two photos, one is processed with more highlights on the water, the water on the other photo has a softer look -- can you please help me decide which is better? Your input is so appreciated. Thank you.

[Tronhard]

Hi Kathy:
I love the flow of both waterfalls, but my preference is for the first one because of the denser colours, particularly of the surrounding terrain. Nice shots. What gear and settings did you use?

[Kathy O]

Hi Kathy:
I love the flow of both waterfalls, but my preference is for the first one because of the denser colours, particularly of the surrounding terrain. Nice shots. What gear and settings did you use?

Thank you for your input - it is very much appreciated. Here is a list of my settings and gear:

NIkon D7100
Manfrotto Tripod
ISO 100
Shutter 1 sec
F/25
18-55mm lens
Shot in RAW
Enhanced in Lightroom

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[Kathy O]

Nice set.

Thank you! Do you have a preference as to which one is better?

[ionian]

Hi Kathy - nice image. I prefer the first without the highlights in the water, as the lighting was fairly diffuse so you wouldn't expect to see bright patches. Of course the speed of the water can make a difference as well so both work just fine to my eyes.

I might consider cropping some off the bottom of the image.

[dje]

Hi Kathy

There's not a lot in it but I think I prefer the first. Normally I'm a bit obsessive about toning down highlights but in this case the water in the first just seems to have a bit more "punch".

Nice falls, nice capture.

Dave

[Kathy O]

Hi Kathy - nice image. I prefer the first without the highlights in the water, as the lighting was fairly diffuse so you wouldn't expect to see bright patches. Of course the speed of the water can make a difference as well so both work just fine to my eyes.

I might consider cropping some off the bottom of the image.

Thank you for your input!!

[Kathy O]

Hi Kathy

There's not a lot in it but I think I prefer the first. Normally I'm a bit obsessive about toning down highlights but in this case the water in the first just seems to have a bit more "punch".

Nice falls, nice capture.

Dave

THank you so much for your input!

[Davejl]

Hi Kathy,

Lovely shot. I think I just prefer the first version. I also like the foreground as you have it. I'm not normally a great fan of long-exposure waterfall shots, but I think this works well.

Dave

[Kathy O]

Hi Kathy,

Lovely shot. I think I just prefer the first version. I also like the foreground as you have it. I'm not normally a great fan of long-exposure waterfall shots, but I think this works well.

Dave

Thank you for your input Dave

[Dave A]

My preference is the first. Such a variety of colors.

Dave

[Kathy O]

My preference is the first. Such a variety of colors.

Dave

Thank you Dave, appreciate your input

[Mike Buckley]

Kathy,

It's a very nice scene that you've captured quite nicely. Has the feedback you've received been helpful toward the goal of you deciding which version is best for you? If so, how so? If not, why not?

Notice that it's the process that I'm asking about rather than the final decision you might have come to. That's because it's the process that is more important because of its potential application to many such images in the future. Ironically, as final as your decision might be now, it of course could change (or not) in the future.

Regardless of the decision you make about the water, consider adding a subtle vignette to the image. Doing so will increase the viewer's concentration on the water that you are attending to with such understandable rigor.

[NorthernFocus]

Hi, Kathy. A lovely little fall you found there. Regarding the appearance of the water I prefer the first image. It seems like there was some shading or something going on that alters the WB between the upper and lower portion o the fall. I tend to like to leave waterfalls a bit cool on WB but this one seems a bit too blue on the lower half. Some selective WB adjustment might be worth a try.

[Kathy O]

Kathy,

It's a very nice scene that you've captured quite nicely. Has the feedback you've received been helpful toward the goal of you deciding which version is best for you? If so, how so? If not, why not?

Notice that it's the process that I'm asking about rather than the final decision you might have come to. That's because it's the process that is more important because of its potential application to many such images in the future. Ironically, as final as your decision might be now, it of course could change (or not) in the future.

Regardless of the decision you make about the water, consider adding a subtle vignette to the image. Doing so will increase the viewer's concentration on the water that you are attending to with such understandable rigor.

Mike,
I have found the feedback to be very helpful, for the most part everyone has chosen a preference that the person liked and along with that has given reasons as to why they chose that photo, which helps me look at the photo in different ways. I usually will study my photos for several days after receiving feedback to make sure I feel or see what they are seeing also before I make any changes to the photo.

I like your idea about the vignette, I had also considered adding one to the photo. Thank you so much for your advice.

[Kathy O]

Hi, Kathy. A lovely little fall you found there. Regarding the appearance of the water I prefer the first image. It seems like there was some shading or something going on that alters the WB between the upper and lower portion o the fall. I tend to like to leave waterfalls a bit cool on WB but this one seems a bit too blue on the lower half. Some selective WB adjustment might be worth a try.

Thank you Dan for your feedback, I hadn't noticed the difference in the WB until you mentioned it. I may have to play around with some adjustments and see if it is something I think needs to be corrected.

[IzzieK]

I am not a fan of milky water but you made this one good that I do not mind it at all. I prefer the first one as it has more shades and shadows and body than the second one.

[Rebel]

This is a nice shot Kathy, well composed.

I prefer number one personally

[Wavelength]

What a beautiful silky cascade!!!...really well done