Notley Fern Gorge

[gregj1763]

Had a chance to get out with the camera today. Went to Notley fern gorge about half an hour out of town.
Absolutely beautiful place, very quiet and peaceful until you realise the place is riddled with leeches
This was my best from the day, hope you like
C&C welcome.

[Shadowman]

Overall a very busy scene. I like the angle of view, the murky pool of water, and there is an interesting path leading to the background that you should work on to lead the viewer's eyes toward.

[IzzieK]

Very nice...

[Geoff F]

For me, Greg, you have three subjects there which are all fighting for my attention; which crates an overly 'busy' scene, as John mentioned.

I think I would crop the water a little, and the sides or use a different size ratio, to reduce this conflict. Then the stream and rocks would draw the viewer into the 'distant' areas of the ferns.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Greg,I like the photo I find the reflections on the water distracting and I don't know how PP works for the reflections because I'm just learning PP.Some experts might help you.If it is not possible to fix the 'reflections' issue,then I think the best way is to crop the water by leaving a little bit of it in the foreground.

[gregj1763]

Taking on board the comments about this image, and thanks everyone for the suggestions, here is a re-worked version.
I have used a different crop and I'm trying to lead the viewers eye from bottom right to top left. Let me know if this is working.
Cheers, Greg

[Geoff F]

That edit has certainly lost a lot of the confusing elements. Much better.

But there are probably several other crop options which could also work. Maybe one of those scenes where everybody would do things slightly differently.

[Shadowman]

2nd edit, very different, now I find myself wanting to take a second and third look at the image. Improving the image for sure.

[NorthernFocus]

Hi, Greg. I like both compositions for different reasons. But I can't get past the technical aspects. The glare on rocks and leaves detract a lot from the image. A polarizer would help immensely in this type of shot.

[gregj1763]

Hi, Greg. I like both compositions for different reasons. But I can't get past the technical aspects. The glare on rocks and leaves detract a lot from the image. A polarizer would help immensely in this type of shot.

Thanks Dan, something I had never considered. It was so gloomy there the last thing I though I would need was a polarizer filter.
I will store that bit of info in the memory bank.
Cheers, Greg

[teokf]

yeap, the 2nd version gives a better feel while the first is ordinary

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks Dan, something I had never considered. It was so gloomy there the last thing I though I would need was a polarizer filter...

Gregg, use of a polarizer when foliage or anything wet really make the colors pop. Wet surfaces reflect light as does the waxy surface of most leaves. A polarizer will make the greens and the color and texture of the rocks come out. Even in overcast conditions or in heavy shade there is a surprising amount of reflected light off of wet surfaces. Try it, you'll like it

[gregj1763]

Gregg, use of a polarizer when foliage or anything wet really make the colors pop. Wet surfaces reflect light as does the waxy surface of most leaves. A polarizer will make the greens and the color and texture of the rocks come out. Even in overcast conditions or in heavy shade there is a surprising amount of reflected light off of wet surfaces. Try it, you'll like it

Appreciate the tip Dan. I learnt something today cheers

[Paniaa]

Greg
I can't help but admire the power of concentration the other commenter's have. As for me - I am totally distracted by the thought of leeches - ugh - and cannot appreciate the beauty of the scene or your proficiency. Sorry

[gregj1763]

Greg
I can't help but admire the power of concentration the other commenter's have. As for me - I am totally distracted by the thought of leeches - ugh - and cannot appreciate the beauty of the scene or your proficiency. Sorry

No worries, not to everyone's liking I know.
By the way, I only had one leech that actually managed to briefly try to attach to me.
To say it is rather unwell now would be an understatement
Cheers, Greg

[carl89]

Very cool greg

[Quentin88]

As Dan said a polarizer would cancel the "light-glare" from leaves and rocks but... Would it "delete" also the reflection on the water? Because the "aurora australis" like reflection (water+rain glare + low shutter speed?) on the water puddle is pretty nice in my opinion ...

[Geoff F]

As Dan said a polarizer would cancel the "light-glare" from leaves and rocks but... Would it "delete" also the reflection on the water? Because the "aurora australis" like reflection (water+rain glare + low shutter speed?) on the water puddle is pretty nice in my opinion ...

Yes. Personally, I've never had any success with polarizers. It may reduce the water reflection, which is something you actually want to retain.

A polarizer would reduce the overall brightness, including the dark areas, which can be done just as well with a little exposure compensation; and that doesn't add extra glass. I wish they could remove just over bright highlights, without ruining the shadows, it would make my insect shots a lot easier.

In the old film camera days, a polarizer could be used to vary the WB between blue and yellow which was often good for improving skies. But that can now simply be done during editing.

If you feel that you need to reduce some highlights, Greg, I would just use a Curves Adjustment Layer plus a mask to limit where the effect is applied. Or alternatively try an Adjustment Brush.

And if extra 'pop' is needed, how about a little Local Contrast Enhancement; or alternatively a layer with the Blend mode set to Soft Light or Overlay at an appropriate setting. But don't overdo any extra 'enhancements' which could easily ruin the photo.

[gregj1763]

Yes. Personally, I've never had any success with polarizers. It may reduce the water reflection, which is something you actually want to retain.

A polarizer would reduce the overall brightness, including the dark areas, which can be done just as well with a little exposure compensation; and that doesn't add extra glass. I wish they could remove just over bright highlights, without ruining the shadows, it would make my insect shots a lot easier.

In the old film camera days, a polarizer could be used to vary the WB between blue and yellow which was often good for improving skies. But that can now simply be done during editing.

If you feel that you need to reduce some highlights, Greg, I would just use a Curves Adjustment Layer plus a mask to limit where the effect is applied. Or alternatively try an Adjustment Brush.

And if extra 'pop' is needed, how about a little Local Contrast Enhancement; or alternatively a layer with the Blend mode set to Soft Light or Overlay at an appropriate setting. But don't overdo any extra 'enhancements' which could easily ruin the photo.

Thanks for the suggestions Geoff. I will give it a try tonight and see what I can come up with.