Topic: which shot do you prefer?

[stirinthesauce]

Here are 3 shots of the same waterfall from this afternoon.  First pic is from directly in front, the other two are from a little further back and to the left.  Just two different angles on those.  Let me know which you prefer and why.  Thanks!   

[dgodwin]

I like the first one because it focuses on the waterfall.  I like the second one too as it shows the whole area.  The third one... eh... it's ok I guess

[stirinthesauce]

Interesting.

Wanna here some more then I'll discuss my perspective. 

Thanks for the feedback 

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

#3.

The blackness of the cave and its form is framed nicely by the blue of the falls to the left.

Terry

[stirinthesauce]

64 views, any other comments? 

So, Terry likes the 3rd the best and dgodwin likes the first followed by the 2nd.  Reasons stated in their posts.  Would love to hear others opinions before I state mine.

[Javier Cinakowski]

#3 is by far the best.   The water fall needs to be off-center....

[JD]

I like the third as well, not too sure why.

[flipp]

I like the "landscape" nature of the second, that is the additional width adds to general impression of the area in that it isn't specific to the waterfall. I also like aspects of the third: the limbs in the right foreground don't extend down into the cave as they do in the second, captures a little more of the forground though I think if the recent dead limb was removed from the lower left and only the older moss-covered log was there I would like the shot more.

After spending some time looking at all three, I actually prefer the first for overall composition. That said, each has strengths the others don't have and likewise each has things that detract from the overall image.

[heath]

I like the third.  I'm not one for being able to explain why i like art, etc.  But I'll try:

I think the vertical orientation of the shot makes a more dramtic effict of the waterfall itself.  I also like the fact that there is a little more foreground before you get to the waterfall.  The blackness of the cave, which Terry mentioned, also is more appealing to me.  I also like seeing a little more of the top of the waterfall...

[stirinthesauce]

thanks for the responses, folks 

If I had a wider lens (in short term future I will), the first pic would be it.  I couldn't get far enough back to get enough of the top of the waterfall.  Those rocks were SLIPPERY!  I didn't want to take a spill.  Myself, when I took pic 3 and saw it on the lcd screen, I said "I've got it, I'm headed back."  It was what I was looking for.  Foreground, midground, and background.  Color looked nice.  Was happy.  Got home, and #2 had me 2nd guessing myself.  But upon further review, I stick with my first impression, #3.

Ideally, I could spend a whole day in this area shooting.  It was Sutter Falls in Collins Gulf, part of Savage Gulf State Park.  Here's another pic from just below the falls, above the next "bridal veil" falls.  I couldn't get down that, as the rocks were real slippery.  I'll be back to get it.

Off this afternoon/evening for another location of waterfall shoots.  Post some more from it tonight. 

[heath]

any pointers for waterfall shooting?  I leave on Saturday for Maui and I hear there's waterfalls everywhere just dying to be shot!!!  Being a bit of a rookie, all input is appreciated.  I hear that I want slow shutter speed to get the silky water effect.  Aside from that, anything else?

[phanophish]

I really want to say #1 because of the rocks in the foreground.  But I would like ot see the waterfall off center to give the composition a bit more punch.  I'd also like to see a bit more saturation in the colors....

[stirinthesauce]

any pointers for waterfall shooting?  I leave on Saturday for Maui and I hear there's waterfalls everywhere just dying to be shot!!!  Being a bit of a rookie, all input is appreciated.  I hear that I want slow shutter speed to get the silky water effect.  Aside from that, anything else?

shoot them early morning or late afternoon/evening when there is low light.  You also MUST have a tripod.  You will want your aperture at it's smallest, f22 or f32, so as to get the least amount of light.  This way, you will have a long exposure time.  This will enhance the fluidness of the water.  You don't want to stop the movement of the water, but give it a sense of motion.  I prefer exposure times of at least 15 seconds.  A polarizer helps (I use one always when shooting water shots).

Did I mention get a tripod? 

They are a bit spendy, but not too bad.  Definitly worth it.  I think I paid $180 w/ tax for my manfrotto stand and head.  Definitly on the low end of the spectrum.  I got sticker shock when out shopping.  Most stands were in the 200-300 range and heads 150-300 range.  I asked for help from the salesman, to keep me under 200 (this was purchased from Dury's in Nashville, a warehouse style dealer that's been around for over a 100 years).

[stirinthesauce]

I really want to say #1 because of the rocks in the foreground.  But I would like ot see the waterfall off center to give the composition a bit more punch.  I'd also like to see a bit more saturation in the colors....

Thanks for the feedback 

[heath]

I have a decent tripod at home from my sister's film days, and that is definitely coming with me.  I actually picked up a polarizer today on my lunch break!!!  Thanks for the pointers!