Dec. 2, 2012- Photo Workshop – Part 8 - Nature Photos
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During the photo workshop I attended at North House Folk School we spent a lot of time outside taking interesting nature shots. Here’s a group of Alder cones photographed along the Gunflint Trail. Getting a soft, clean background is the key to a photo like this.
Three weeks ago I showed you some snow photos taken during the workshop. As we drove along the Gunflint Trail to get those photos, we saw this Sundog. When there are ice crystals in the air, they can act like a prism and reflect the sunlight in a rainbow pattern. Sundogs can occur on both sides of the sun and they are at the same distance above the horizon as the sun.
Here’s a panoramic view from Honeymoon Bluff. This is more than the camera can take in one shot. With my camera on a tripod, the first shot included about the left quarter of this panorama. I took five more shots, moving the camera to the right each time, and overlapping the previous shot by about a third. Photoshop has a feature that makes it easy to “stitch” the six photos together. Next year I want to get to this spot when the leaves are colorful and still on the trees. This would be a spectacular fall color photo.
Then we tried taking longer exposures which blur the water and make it look “smoother.” The settings for this photo were ISO 160, f 36, and 1.6 sec. I’d like to know which one you prefer: realistic, or “smoother.” Click on “Add comment” below and tell me what you like and why.
Valerie
on December 4, 2012I like the more realistic one for the way you framed the shot - the water is in its 'real' natural context. I like the smoother one better in a narrower frame - with just the rocks. Then it's more an artistic contrast in texture. (I'm a friend of Linda F's. She forwarded your photo link to me!)
Deanna
on December 3, 2012The second picture feels more tranquil; I notice the surrounding rocks and greenery more. My eye is drawn to the water in the first shot and the overall effect is more "real". I like both, it is hard to pick a favorite!
Nete
on December 3, 2012What great photos! I did not know that there is that much to learn, but when you know, it sure makes wonderful photos.
I like the realistic waterfall best. It looks "more wet" than the smother one.
Thanks, Nete
Shirley
on December 3, 2012Hi Earl ~ I prefer the natural-looking waterfall. Both are beautifully framed. Thanks for sharing more photos from the North House workshop ~ fun to see - and your comments are great too!
Alby Shaw
on December 2, 2012First, faster shutter speed, of waterfall looks better.
Second shot with fuzzy water is less appealing.
Sandy Holbrook
on December 2, 2012Earl, All of these photos are LOVELY but since you asked, I prefer the first photo of the water fall although both are very nice and the second (last one) is more interesting in some ways. Guess I'm just a realist. And, just so you'll know, I really appreciate your weekly photos - especially have enjoyed the ones from your photo workshop experience in Grand Marais, one of my favorite spots! Thanks.
SH
Linda
on December 2, 2012I like the natural look. The smooth looks sort of artificial to me.
Linda
on December 2, 2012Well, I like both, depending on the setting. If I were to hang one on the wall, I would want the "smoother" one. If I were to see one in a travel magazine, I would want the more realistic shot.
christine
on December 2, 2012though both photos are gorgeous, i actually prefer the "smoother" waterfall, as it lends polish & professionalism to the image. it's finished & complete. my eye is distracted by the blur of the "realistic" falling water (though the pool at the bottom of that fall is pretty).
thank you for sharing your images, earl.
Alberta
on December 2, 2012I like the more natural water, but the beautiful rock pops on the smooth water picture. Take both!