Max Burke, APSA  

Swan Falls Dam by Max Burke, APSA

August 2019 - Swan Falls Dam

About the Image(s)

Attached is an image of an old dam south of Boise on the Snake River, about a half hour drive from my home. The dam was built in 1901 to generate electricity. It is the oldest hydroelectric dam on the Snake River. In the 1990s the original power plant was replaced with a new one. Now for my entry.

"Taken during the "blue" hour after sunset. The Swan Falls Dam was built in 1901 and has been updated and still in operation. It is a 5 image HDR with1 stop differential, using a tripod. Used the Nikon D750 with 24-120 f4 lens at f/8 and an ISO of 640. Image times began at 1/8th second to 1/60th second. Considerable processing was necessary after converted by Photomatix Pro 6, with considerable adjustments to bring the dark area looking less blue as it first appeared..

This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted

Brad Ashbrook   Brad Ashbrook
Interesting view with a nice leading line of the river to the sunset. The image does appear to be a bit contrasty and the shadows appear a bit dark.   Posted: 08/18/2019 19:09:32
Rick Cloran   Rick Cloran
The angle of view really helps to make this image for me. The composition leads my eye through the image effectively. I'm guessing, but it seems like having to desaturate the blue so heavily almost pushed you into a monochrome with two sections of color. I can see what Brad is talking about relative to the shadow detail and starker contrast, but I find the image works for me even with those conditions.   Posted: 08/18/2019 22:13:51
Max Burke   Max Burke
It was almost pitch-dark in the valley and very blue, so may have overdone it. I had some other images I should have used where it hadn't gotten that dark, as it does make it look contrasty. On this one I selected because the lights on the dam showed more than the other. Thanks for the comments - as I agree. Max   Posted: 08/18/2019 22:49:41
Lisa Cuchara   Lisa Cuchara
I like the angle and where you shot the image from. The oranges of the windows complement the sky nicely.The white river draws your eye right through the scene to the dam and then to the sky

The image seems a tad dark, contrasty and perhaps oversharpened.   Posted: 08/18/2019 23:12:45
 
I like the composition and the angle of view. The flow of the bright river leads my eyes to the beautiful sky in the background. I agree with my friends the photo looks a little bit dark.   Posted: 08/20/2019 17:32:45