Cataract Falls Storm Flow

[pathfinder]

I posted this in the Field and Streets thread and did not get much critcism, so I am posting it here for pertinent, cold blooded comments and suggestions.

I shot this in a rain storm because I was so impressed by the fury of the water at Cataract Falls.

Have I captured that here, or am I just kidding myself?

http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/143984579-L.jpg

[gchappel]

I don't think you succeeded in capturing fury here. I find slow shutter speeds to give a calming, tranquile pattern to the water. There is nothing here that lets me know that this is more turbulent or powerful than normal. The background lacks some pop, but is very pretty and calming as well. How would I show fury and power here- a classic line about photography is if the picture isn't right, get closer. Get down on the ground next to the falls/rapids. Make the water and foam enormous. PIcture the water and spray as it explodes off of a rock, and I would have at least some of it sharp. To show fury here you need to convey the power- make me hear the roar. Hard isn't it.
Pretty picture, but it doesn't scream power and fury.
Gary
gchappel

[jbr13]

Very nice critique!


J



I don't think you succeeded in capturing fury here. I find slow shutter speeds to give a calming, tranquile pattern to the water. There is nothing here that lets me know that this is more turbulent or powerful than normal. The background lacks some pop, but is very pretty and calming as well. How would I show fury and power here- a classic line about photography is if the picture isn't right, get closer. Get down on the ground next to the falls/rapids. Make the water and foam enormous. PIcture the water and spray as it explodes off of a rock, and I would have at least some of it sharp. To show fury here you need to convey the power- make me hear the roar. Hard isn't it.
Pretty picture, but it doesn't scream power and fury.
Gary
gchappel

[ChrisJ]

I agree. The recent LPS3 entry "Gnarly Wedge (http://netgarden.smugmug.com/photos/143531563-L.jpg)" did one of the best jobs showing angry water that I've seen in a while. The waves were crisp and crashing, and the rocks behind them even looked angry.

Now if you could get onto that little island and shoot back upwards at the water, it might create more impact (and wetness for you!).

[pathfinder]

Thank you all for your comments. This image is apparently seen differently by myself, and other viewers.

This was shot in the rain, so no, not a lot of pop and color. I didn't really see a lot of color or contrast in the background myself. Too much mist in the water from the falls for that.

The shutter speed could have been faster but this is the speed I chose, not real slow and not real fast - just 1/10th of a second. Fast enough to not really flatten the water, but slow enough to show some of the flow.

The flow does not have the drama of ocean storm surge crashing on the beach, but then, it is usually a gentle stream that you can wade confortably and safely in. If I ever see 15-20 foot crashing waves on this stream, central Indiana is in serious trouble.:D

Thanks again.

[ChrisJ]

If I ever see 15-20 foot crashing waves on this stream, central Indiana is in serious trouble.:D

Heh heh, maybe in a several million years...

I think the problem is that we don't know what the stream normally looks like, and the long exposure smooths over the fury. I do get the sense the water is moving fast, but it just looks like a little bit of rapids to me.

[pathfinder]

I think that may be part of my perception also, Chris, as I know this stream usually does not have more than 6-12 inches of depth of water, and just placidly flows along.

Thanks again for your comments.