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Phostructor [2011-05-25 15:26:58 +0000 UTC]

Overall

Vision

Originality

Technique

Impact

Much of this image is in deep shadow, and that obscures what is potentially a lovely landscape detail photograph. The choice of color vs b+w for shots of this kind can determine whether the first impact is visceral, when in color, or more aesthetically engaging when monochrome. Color IR can take that visceral impact into another zone where the fantasy quality may enhance drama and hold the viewer’s attention longer. Color infrared is a good choice for this scene.

When I look closely at the image I can discern some elements of composition that would be engaging were they more visible. At the top left, the back-lit trees on the ridge with the clouds behind them create a shape almost like a wave, which imparts energy to the image. The vertical edge of the cloud and the bare slope on the right take us back towards the center where the light on the brush helps us find the top of the watercourse. We also encounter a squared off (geological or man-made?) feature that contrasts with the chaotic nature of the tumble of rocks in the falls.

We come to the crux of the image, the light area of blurred water in the central foreground. It is a very interesting area, with the geaming rocks poking up out of it. They are a little bigger in proportion to the water than often shown in falls or rapids, and their shapes are dynamic. The brighter highlight curving around the top of the central boulder is an unusual effect that pulls me back from just sliding out the bottom of the frame with the water. For me it takes the entire image away from cliche.

Overall, though, the image is rendered so dark that all these interesting components are hard to see without experience and effort. The entire left middle section has null impact in the shot. Infrared pictures usually result in files that are somewhat flat with open shadows. I suspect that this shot was somewhat underexposed. In order to get the same amount of blur, another exposure at 200 ISO with duplicate time and aperture might be enough, without adding too much noise to the photo. Making several exposures to get one where the tree movement on the ridge is less noticeable would be good.

Post processing IR can be tricky. What you saw when you took the picture needs to be brought out. In this image a lot of detail and texture is missing that might brought out in post and a better exposure. IR photos usually benefit from sharpening techniques, as well as noise filtering. There is a lot of color noise in this.

One option that could be explored is a black and white IR version.

The technical aspects need work. The subject is worth reshooting to overcome the issues.

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SoulReaperArtemis- [2011-05-22 23:20:20 +0000 UTC]

This one is my other favorite, god that water is spectacular!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1