My girlfriend and I went for a nice hike on Sunday in Big Basin State Park (California) near our house. It was my girlfriend's first hike since she recovered from a badly broken foot. Surprisingly we covered over 11 miles and she did just fine! However, this required nearly constant movement since we weren't going very fast. I was able to pause long enough to take several exposures of Berry Creek Fall. It is far from its prime but still very pretty. Looks like it is a waterfall week in the forum

Photographing streams and falls is a new subject for me, but I thoroughly enjoy it!







Do you like any of the images? If yes, which one do you prefer? How can you make them stronger?

Thx for any feedback,
Misha

I think the first image is by far the strongest, it shows the water entering and moving VERY nicely through the frame. I think the wood at the bottom adds to the intrigue as well. Nice work, and glad to hear your girlfriend's foot is better!

My preference would also be the first image. The colors are more saturated, contrasting with the bright waterflow for more 'punch' to my eyes. I like the composition better as it allows the eye to follow the flow from top to bottom. Great destination for your hike.

Best regards,

Dick:)

Thanks guys. I also like the first shot more. For me, it has a Zen-like feeling... Surprisingly, several people that I shared these with, picked the 3rd shot!

I am a 3rd shot person....I like the almost design like geometric created by the water falling and the rocks jutting out. Would rotate it just a hair clockwise to correct it to match gravity. Really nice captures!

Also congrats on the succesful hike and the ankle healing nicely.

Roman

Hey Misha,

Thanks for sharing your new photos. They look great. I think I prefer the first one the most...mostly because it is the most contrasty. What were the conditions like when you were shooting? I like that you keep all of your images in 2x3 format. I think it lends something to the presentation.

-JM

Thanks Roman and James.
James - it was a little bit cloudy but still very bright. Hence, a bit of overexposure at the very top and the very bottom of the fall. I tried my best to avoid it but there was not much that could be done in these lighting conditions.

Hi Misha,

Great pics! I also like the top one best. Have you tried using the burn tool to help with some of your highlights? I think a gentle use of the burn tool - about 15% - would probably do great things with your 3rd image.

Lou