Brad Becker
April 2026 - Convergence
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About the Image(s)
This composite started with a spectacular night image I took at Glen Aulin Campground in Yosemite on one of my backpacking trips. I added the mountains from another trip on a King's Canyon backpacking trip to Ray Lakes, separating the mountains and reducing their opacity significantly to blend them with the clouds and night sky as more a dream like impression and added the moon from that image in the corner to balance the image and draw the eye down to the waterfall where the final element of the birds converge/depart. I shifted their angle to create what I think is a nice balance. What are your thoughts?
8 comments posted
The strong diagonal of the birds draws the eye to the center of the image where the viewer is rewarded with a dreamy waterfall. I mentioned in my comments last month that the photographers who judge competitions for my camera club really don't like bright objects at the edge of photos. I came across a quote about this situation that serves as an appropriate guideline for photographers: "Breaking rules like composition and lighting allows photographers to discover new perspectives." It's as wise as "less is more." Posted: 04/02/2026 14:31:18
Alan, I'm not clear on whether you like the addition of the moon or not here. I added it to counterbalance the string of birds and to tie the subtle streaks of light towards to the waterfall. Posted: 04/03/2026 18:24:06
There are a lot of respected photographers that encourage other photographers to break the rules. I break a lot of them myself. However, when I enter competitions in my camera club, I adhere to the judges' bugaboo about the negative effect of bright objects near the edge. You like putting bright figures/objects near the edge so continue doing it. I've been brainwashed. Posted: 04/04/2026 02:30:31
This is such a cool image, Brad! The waterfall is glorious, so silky yet with detail, and splitting into such interesting streams. I love the way the trees are leaning in towards the waterfall; it feels very magical to me. The birds create a natural leading line bringing me straight to the waterfall, which is so beautifully lit. I love the misty mountains in the distance.
The moon's position is a bold choice, and I really appreciate seeing an image that isn't conventional. I do think it works in that position to create a V of interest (moon to waterfall, waterfall to birds). The waterfall and the moon are so bright that my eye goes between those two a lot more than the side with the birds.
Personally, I might consider a moving the moon a bit more into the image and increasing the whites and decreasing the black on the sky. That brings out the distant mountains and birds more, as well as the stars. I have to admit that I thought the stars were dust spots at first. I think need to get away from the city more often. Posted: 04/03/2026 20:06:33
The moon's position is a bold choice, and I really appreciate seeing an image that isn't conventional. I do think it works in that position to create a V of interest (moon to waterfall, waterfall to birds). The waterfall and the moon are so bright that my eye goes between those two a lot more than the side with the birds.
Personally, I might consider a moving the moon a bit more into the image and increasing the whites and decreasing the black on the sky. That brings out the distant mountains and birds more, as well as the stars. I have to admit that I thought the stars were dust spots at first. I think need to get away from the city more often. Posted: 04/03/2026 20:06:33
Peggy, Your suggestions as always are of high value and I like them. Posted: 04/10/2026 21:27:23
Hi Brad, thank you for another scene to travel in my dreams! The luminous waterfall is just full of magic. - I like the moon up in the corner but I wonder if the halo round it might be a little wider and fade slightly more gradually so that it might blend into the lighter sky and illuminate the waterfall. I think that decreasing the black in the sky would have a similar effect? Posted: 04/11/2026 17:26:11
Kirsti, Thanks for your kind words and suggestion. I have considered working on the halo to better integrate it. Posted: 04/12/2026 05:04:44
Hi Brad,
Another masterfully blended landscape. I really like how you've placed the mountains in a diffused way, giving them presence without adding too much visual weight to the image.
I think the waterfall has the perfect luminosity to draw the viewer's eye toward the centre, while the inclusion of the moon creates another point of brightness that competes for attention. I like the inclusion of the birds and the diagonal line, but I find them a bit too aligned,I would consider moving some slightly to the right and others to the left. Posted: 04/14/2026 20:04:00
Another masterfully blended landscape. I really like how you've placed the mountains in a diffused way, giving them presence without adding too much visual weight to the image.
I think the waterfall has the perfect luminosity to draw the viewer's eye toward the centre, while the inclusion of the moon creates another point of brightness that competes for attention. I like the inclusion of the birds and the diagonal line, but I find them a bit too aligned,I would consider moving some slightly to the right and others to the left. Posted: 04/14/2026 20:04:00