Just fishin'

[Donald]

The high burst rate of the Canon 7DMkII came into its own for this one.

I knew exactly what I wanted; i.e. the fishing line carving a beautiful line as it was being cast. The man was obviously an expert fly fisherman. His casting was amazing and he seemed to land the fly just where he wanted it. I watched him and photographed for ages.

This was a small lake located near Devil's Postpile in Cailfornia.

Your comment and critique will be welcomed.

[Shadowman]

Nicely composed, that rock formation competes with your subject though.

[Donald]

Nicely composed, that rock formation competes with your subject though.

Competes or complements?

[Tony M]

It's a well-timed shot. I like how the fishing line contrasts with the background along its entire length; it's dark against the rocky background, and light against the trees. Did you have to do much in PP to achieve that?

Tony

[DanK]

I agree with John: it competes. My eye was immediately drawn to the complex and bright mass of rocks. I barely noticed the line at first.

[rpcrowe]

Great capture at exactly the right time... I like fly fishing but, have never been an expert at casting...

[Shadowman]

Competes or complements?

Competes, there is too much dark shapes and hard lines, also the rock formation has an abstract quality that resemble various objects; a face here and side profile of a clenched fist.

[Mike Buckley]

A very nice shot by most standards, but in my mind not by the high bar set by the standards of so many of your other photographs over the years. That's due to the busy background already mentioned.

My experience at viewing photographs of a brightly lit fly-fishing line is that they are either usually made from above with the water providing the role of the plain background or from below with a blue sky providing that role. Depending on the light, the fly-fishing line might also be dark relative to the background.

[madcrow]

For once I don't agree, me eye was drawn to the fisherman, arm, rod and line putting me into the image. Its very well executed.

[Donald]

It's a well-timed shot. I like how the fishing line contrasts with the background along its entire length; it's dark against the rocky background, and light against the trees. Did you have to do much in PP to achieve that?

Not a lot, Tony. The scene was set up very much like that. I have darkened the trees slightly, but I didn't want to make it look unnatural.

[TheBigE]

Donald - The timing is perfect on this shot. The line and the shape of the rod give clear indication of the movement. However, I am really struggling with the background. For me the subject is the Fly Fisherman but I find the rocks and trees to be pulling my eye away from him. It impedes my view and feeling of tranquility and grace that the fisherman alone displays.

It is difficult to focus on the line alone which is as much a part of the story as anything.

I know you may say otherwise - but would color help this in anyway? Would this promote more distinction between the subject and the background? Just a thought.

Hope this helps....it alone is just my opinion and may differ greatly from others.