Kaylyn Franks
May 2020 - Phantom Falls
Original
About the Image(s)
Attached is the original & final photo for May. Phantom Falls was captured at an Idaho State Park at night. Light painting was used to light the falls. I used a Canon 60 D with a Canon 14mm, 2.8 on a tripod with quick release. Setting were ISO1600, 14mm, f/2.8, 20.0 sec. I have been practicing new PS techniques and used many of them with this photo. Basic adjustments in LR, then Curves adjustments, dodging and burning, rock transformation in the water, Luminosity masks, Orton Effect, DeNoise, I created a star brush to highlight the stars, used cloning, and smart sharpening.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
I love these beautiful colors and tones, which you can probably get only with long exposures and during dark hours. To get the eye to the waterfall faster, I suggest you crop about 1/3 of the sky and 1/3 of the rocks on the right. Also, I would have liked to see more of the left side, where the water is flowing to and where the action is happening, then the right, where nothing is happening. Posted: 05/03/2020 17:49:13
My original version was cropped with more focus on the waterfall, but it just didn't fulfill my vision. I'd love to show more on the left, but there is a tree that blocks that opportunity. One of these days I want to return with my waders and see if I can capture more to the left. Posted: 05/06/2020 09:58:49
Kaylyn, perhaps the tree can be part of the composition. Do you have a picture with the tree in it? Posted: 05/06/2020 16:18:16
(Groups 36 & 67)
The image is stunning but I am going to have to agree with Joseph. The falls are the real subject so I would crop out some sky and some of the foreground.You did a nice job with you Photoshop skills. Posted: 05/05/2020 09:34:38
I'll be the contrarian -- I like the amount of stars and sky. I think they provide a nice counter-balance in color and size to the falls and rocks at the bottom. Great work on your Photoshop. Posted: 05/05/2020 16:13:22
I'm going to agree with Mike. :) I also like the stars and the sky. I think this might be what I call the difference between a competition image and a "fine art" image. Perhaps for competition the waterfall should be more prominent. However, I like the mood that this portrays. Nice work. Posted: 05/05/2020 19:59:37
Nice atmospheric image. I don't know if the term "alpenglow" fits here, but I like the glow that hugs the rock formation at the top which to me suggests distant city lights or a twilight sky off on the horizon. As others have mentioned, the falls are too centered, and the rocks immediately next to the falls have the appearance of a face, and the brightness detracts from the water. The flow of the water has a good L shape to it. Good spot, and good work in PS. Posted: 05/10/2020 08:48:10
It's interesting how some people notice things...I didn't see the face until I looked after Jerry's comment. I see it now, I think. There might be two - the one in the light rock and the one at the very top just right of the falls? Posted: 05/10/2020 11:30:05
This looks like a scene from Avatar. The beautiful flow of the water plus the brilliance of the stars is really amazing. Now if there was a full moon everything would be there. It's a beautiful image but I also think a beautiful image of the falls would be very worthwhile by cropping down the sky almost completely focusing on the waterfall. You actually have more than two images here - - the skyscape makes one want to wander all over the page while the waterfall is central enough to deserve its own presentation. The fantastic image. It would be difficult to decide which portion to emphasize as the subject. Posted: 05/10/2020 14:02:21
When I set out to photograph this waterfall I had intentions of capturing the milky way above the falls. Even with all my planning Mother Nature chose it's course and provided a very light mottled cloud covering. The reason I named this Phantom Falls is because of the Phantom Rock that sits next to the falls. Once the park reopens I will set out to capture it again. Thanks for the feedback!! Posted: 05/12/2020 11:10:30
I agree with those who like the image in its totality. It has a very ethereal quality that comes from the surroundings as well as the falls itself. The colors are gorgeous. Would love to see your next version of this! Posted: 05/16/2020 17:05:00