Although the cascading water is usually my primary subject I found these broken branches or stumps interesting, especially with the dangling icicles.
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04.14.2022 Dean Brook Intimate
This entry was posted in Black and White, Intimate Landscape, Landscape, Nature Photography, Western Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts Waterfalls and Cascades and tagged Black and White photography, Dean Brook, intimate landscape, landscape, Massachusetts, New England, New England Waterfalls, Shutesbury, water in motion, western massachusetts. Bookmark the permalink.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Yes, that is a shift of focus away from flowing water. The barkless part of the closest stump, being lighter, does draw the viewer’s eye. Regarding the cute little “comb” of icicles, did you also do any abstract closeups of it in its own right, if that was even possible?
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I adjusted that bright part of the stump in LR and burned it some in PS as well but anything more would have been very obvious. No, getting any closer to those icicles would have been risky and this brook almost claimed me once. I only had the 70-200 for reach plus was at a small distance and elevated.. But I’ve photographed similar icicles in the past so didn’t feel compelled in this case not that it isn’t worth acquiring more images even if similar..
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A very dramatic image.
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Thanks, Mandy!
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I found the way the S-shaped curve of the falling water is replicated by the ‘curve’ of the fallen branches the most pleasing aspect of the photo. That pairing is so strong I might not have noticed the icicles if you hadn’t mentioned them.
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I guess it’s good that I mentioned the icicles. I always look for curves within the cascades but the stumps were an added bonus.
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It is an interesting composition and one that you can truly call yours.
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I appreciate the “call yours” comment as that is something I try for when shooting a landscape and a reason why I chose my locations rather than go to the popular spots. Thanks, Alessandra.
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Very nice Steve! Love the detail & the “rushing” water detail!
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Thanks, Reed!
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The upper stump mimics the flow of water nicely. Nice!
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Thanks, Eliza!
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This is a very “moody” photo–in the best of the ways.
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Thank you, Tanja!
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Very appealing
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Thank you, Allison!
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Great textures!
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Thanks, Dave!
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I can clearly see the head of a fox-like dragon, with icy teeth, in the upper-right third. I’m surprised that I’m the first to comment on it. What a wonderful find.
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Someone on Facebook also saw a dragon. In a comment on the blog’s image page, Bob (Texasflashdude) suggested cropping to just above the lower stump which makes the dragon even more noticeable.
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But that would leave out your excellent portrayal of the flowing water, without which the dragon would inevitably be left too high and dry.
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And that is why I composed as I did. But for a novelty the crop would be fun.
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This is a really satisfying, dramatic photograph, Steve.
I view this, technically, as a “reverse leading line” composition. The cascading water flowing from the upper left draws our eyes to the central subject.
Disclosure: I are not a expert. Just know what I like.
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Thank you, Wally. Expert or not, I appreciate your opinion and critique. Another pair of eyes is always an asset.
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And when processed in black & white it takes on a more abstract feel. I like it. The highlights are nicely balanced in the composition.
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I liked the bit of color on the bark of the closer stump but otherwise there was no color so decided black and white suited the image better and allowed one to concentrate on form. Thanks, Todd.
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Very interesting! I agree with Todd about B&W emphasizing the abstract feeling.
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Thanks, Lynn. Sometimes just a touch of subtle color is an advantage but in this case I think unnecessary.
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