Clearing Storm: Valley View

[Black Pearl]

I've come back to this a couple of times before commenting.

I'm a massive fan of 1:1 crops having ran a Mamiya C330f system for a good number of my formative years and today I look for and shoot square on a regular basis. I get the feeling you shot this wonderful scene but only decided to crop it when you got home and so (for me) doesn't quite work. Square images need to be seen and composed in camera and need a very balanced feel to their composition like a very strong central subject or clear symmetry to have maximum impact. It is in no way a poor shot, its well exposed, naturally processed and has plenty of interest within it for the viewer to explore but I feel lacks a certain impact.

[Shadowman]

I have two Storm Jackets (one for a body and short lens; one for a body and long lens) in the bag.

The other thing, of course, is that different cameras/lenses have different levels of weather sealing. I am fortunate in that regard in that I have Canon 'L' lenses and a 5DS and 7dMkII bodies. So I am in a position to 'embrace the wetness'.


Point taken.

Donald,

Thanks for the link, I'll have to get a couple of those jackets, I'll risk exposing the camera to a dusting of snow for a few seconds but would really like to see what I can capture in a full blown blizzard. There's always a lone figure, besides myself; caught walking amongst the white that I feel would make an interesting image.

[Donald]

What a good discussion has been going on whilst I've been enjoying my beauty sleep

I get the feeling you shot this wonderful scene but only decided to crop it when you got home

No, Robin, I decide everything before I press the shutter. Indeed, I have my 5DS set up so that what I see through the viewfinder or on the back screen is the square composition (one of the lovely features of the 5DS).

[Black Pearl]

What a good discussion has been going on whilst I've been enjoying my beauty sleep


No, Robin, I decide everything before I press the shutter. Indeed, I have my 5DS set up so that what I see through the viewfinder or on the back screen is the square composition (one of the lovely features of the 5DS).

I do the same with my Fuji.

[Donald]

It's interesting what people are saying about the clouds. I have put in contrast and structure, but obviously not as much as some people think would be appropriate. My thinking was that I did not want the sky to become the subject. Instead, I wanted it to be the supporting act to the light on El Cap (left) and the Cathedral Rocks (right).

[John 2]

Well I am not familiar with the physical scene nor other photos of it, so I am not burdened with "historical" expectations about it. I think it is good composition, and I am always impressed with the consistency of Donald's b&w conversion techniques. What Donald is presenting in this series is Yosemite in his own style, not an imitation of what has been done before.

My thoughts also. That being said, although the sky is fine for me (no pun intended), just a little more mid tone contrast in the middle ground would be my preference, and I do mean a small amount. However, as Greg points out, we are probably talking personal styles rather than serious criticism. Excellent mono work as usual.

Robin, I've learned something. I didn't know you could set the Fuji to square format but I note that it's not available in RAW. Worth knowing though.

[Black Pearl]

Robin, I've learned something. I didn't know you could set the Fuji to square format but I note that it's not available in RAW. Worth knowing though.

A quick workaround is to set it to shoot RAW and JPEG then you get the ratio options when shooting. If you're bothered about card space set it to shoot JPEG-S which are tiny and just bin the when you're back home.

[John 2]

Thanks Robin. I used to use a Minolta Autocord 6x6 for many years and I wonder if I can get back into that mind set.

[BrianA61]

I like the composition and the textures in the clouds and rocks. However, the scene still looks a little flat, especially in the trees area in the lower center. I believe it would add a little more depth to the shot with more definition to those trees. Maybe add a slight vignette to the edges. Other than those suggestions, it looks really good. I've been to Yosemite hundreds of times. Never got tired of it.

[Hans]

Hi Don, thanks for another work of art.

To me this is a well balanced image. It has a fine art quality to the processing, is lower in general contrast giving it a calmness but is still strong in texture and layers to lead in the eye. It is square, so static, but it also has some nice elements of dynamic balance and a little drama to keep the eye moving around it. Well, done.

Regards,
Pete

[Donald]

Great to see some more comments.
Brian:-

I believe it would add a little more depth to the shot with more definition to those trees. Maybe add a slight vignette to the edges.

On this low resolution version, more structure in the trees starts to make them look crunchy. There is a vignette on this. I tend to apply vignettes that are barely visible, preferring a much more subtle approach. However, you do notice it if you remove it. I appreciate that some people prefer to see a stronger vignette.