River Shots

[Sam W]

Some recent photos from the Maury River. This is my favorite close-by place to visit as it looks different everyday. The water now is very enticing. Sometimes it can get a bit muddy looking. The sounds from the rapids are quite loud. The water this time of year has a green tint but not as vibrant as in depicted in most of the photos. In the many times I have visited, I've yet to see another photographer, although to position for some these shots requires enthusiasm, risk evaluation and a warm coat.

I've used some degree of vignetting in most of the photos. In some photos shadows on the left are due to a tall ridge blocking the sun (not necessarily vignetting). Suggestions for improvement welcome. I'm trying to achieve some degree of artistry more so than accuracy if that makes sense. Thanks for viewing.







#3: This is a HDR created with using two images in Lightroom. I particularly like the shade of green in the pines

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Manfred M]

This is a very nice series of shots, Sam. Well composed, taken and processed. They have excellent colour range and just work really well. My favourite is the fourth one with the the kayaker about to go over the small waterfall. Somehow having a person in the shot gives the shot a bit more life,

[bnnrcn]

Very good shots Sam, I like them all

[Kaye Leggett]

Nice series - I always like those where the photographer can revisit their locality. I like the lower angle shots best where the water is the foacal point, in your third image the boulder in the foreground is a little too prominent.

[Sam W]

Thanks all for the comments and feedback.

[Donald]

These are all good images in their own right. Normally I don't like multi-picture posts, as you are trying to assess each image and comment upon that in order to offer what you hope might be helpful thoughts.

But it is as a set that these, for me, really hit the mark. They just work beautifully together and, for me, are the start of a story of that river and its surrounding environment. There's a brilliant project in there, Sam. You need to start learning how to produce self-published photobooks.

[Wavelength]

Very awesome shots..... loved them.....

[Geoff F]

I have never been a fan of long exposure blurred water (or surf) but all the others look good to me.

The only slight thought is that with #3 is the narrow bit of sky actually causing more of a distraction than adding anything?

[Mike Buckley]

Terrific series for all of the reasons already explained!

[Sam W]

These are all good images in their own right. Normally I don't like multi-picture posts, as you are trying to assess each image and comment upon that in order to offer what you hope might be helpful thoughts.

But it is as a set that these, for me, really hit the mark. They just work beautifully together and, for me, are the start of a story of that river and its surrounding environment. There's a brilliant project in there, Sam. You need to start learning how to produce self-published photobooks.

Perhaps I'll add a self-published photobook to my bucket list. I appreciate the idea and your kind comments.

[Sam W]

Very awesome shots..... loved them.....

Thanks Nandakumar!

[Sam W]

I have never been a fan of long exposure blurred water (or surf) but all the others look good to me.

The only slight thought is that with #3 is the narrow bit of sky actually causing more of a distraction than adding anything?

I agree that #3 is not the best composed picture but without the sky it looks worse to me. Thanks for pointing that out. Geoff.

[Sam W]

Terrific series for all of the reasons already explained!

Thanks Mike, I'm getting a lot of mileage out that river. Hope I don't wear it out. :-)

[Kaye Leggett]

I agree that #3 is not the best composed picture but without the sky it looks worse to me. Thanks for pointing that out. Geoff.

Maybe try a different photo ratio and exclude both the sky and the boulder ?

[pnodrog]

Maybe try a different photo ratio and exclude both the sky and the boulder ?

I think Kaye is on to something. Before I read her post I had already decided the smack bang in the center boulder was a bit of a problem. It is very dominant and forms an obstacle to the eye traveling into the rest of the photo. It adds to the photograph and does not need to be cropped out completely but if cropped so only the top third is visible I think it will work much better.

I don't have a big problem with the sky in fact I think it should probably stay.

[Sam W]

I think Kaye is on to something. Before I read her post I had already decided the smack bang in the center boulder was a bit of a problem. It is very dominant and forms an obstacle to the eye traveling into the rest of the photo. It adds to the photograph and does not need to be cropped out completely but if cropped so only the top third is visible I think it will work much better.

I don't have a big problem with the sky in fact I think it should probably stay.

Paul, I like your suggestion. I would have never thought of it. I did not post an update with the crop as you can see the outcome just by moving Lite box. Thanks for your help.

[Sam W]

Maybe try a different photo ratio and exclude both the sky and the boulder ?

Thanks Kaye, but if I do that it looses too much interest and resolution.

[IzzieK]

Sam... these are all beautiful shots all on each own. The series itself makes one understand the flow of the place. The texture of the rocks are all OK, even the inclusion of the skies in all of them. All of them are properly exposed and I am wondering if you use a polarizer in all of them...My favourites are of course #1, the rushing of the water; #2 I don't mind that the perspective on the top is at central, the little cloud up there makes up for it and of course, the foreground is strong there for me to balance the shot; #3 I like that composition a lot, pretty much like the curve, the big rock doesn't bother me at all. I think it looks good there as is.