Melt Down (Click for larger view)

Well, I see I'm certainly not the first to the party. Once again you present us with an image from nature that is scenic but even more important, captures an essential expression of natural forces at work. Here we see not only the tumbling river water but also evidence of its power over centuries, millenniums, as it patiently wear a course for itself through the granite heart of the mountains. This is a very strong picture and immediately caught my attention, even from the thumbnail.

A beautiful landscape, Alf. Just the right shutter speed. As always very well composed: If you follow the water's way backwards, you finally end up at the snow-covered mountains. Very good choice of saturation, too. Impressive work, once again.

 

Thanks for sharing!

Alex

while I think the photo would also work with a little less pronounced postprocesing (it's more a matter of style and taste), the colours underline the great composition very nicely.

I really like how this photo connects key parts of the water cycle: clouds, snow, meltwater in just one frame and invites the viewers eyes to follow it.

Hi, Alf! I really enjoy the picture! It really deserves to be seen enlarged! Feels as if I am IN there - great composition! Warmest regards, Tamara

Nice color and perfect exposure for this flow.  Jim Johnson mentioned something about a bear-- but there aren't any in the UK, yes?  The lower left corner is slightly blurry-- wondering if f/11 would have helped with that, or would that have ruined the overall image due to diffraction?

Alf... success with Grade A+. Very good shutter speed, great DOF, awesome details and very nice colours. I hope I can do such a wonderful work. All the best

A beautiful picture, Alf.  I see You have used a neutral density filter, and you got with it, a flawless result. (well, not only by the filter, but with your skills).  The angle from wich you took the picture is excellent, exposure is perfect, good dof, and harmonious composition.  Nice work!

Regards,

Rosario.

Sincere Thanks to you all for taking the time to comment, it really is appreciated! 

Due to work commitments I haven't got time to respond as I normally would, however I do intend to try to get back to you individually within the next couple of days.

 

Best To All

 

Alf 

 

A beautiful image Alf, the composition is spot on as is the shutter speed to get that perfect movement in the water.

Jed

"Too much" nice, wonderful landscape!!!

Stunning work ! I love it

 

Sadegh

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback. 

Waterfalls are like people, they are subject to change and can be angry or gentle, cold or warm depending on their mood and the surrounding environment.  I have passed this waterfall on many occasions but never before seemed to be able to capture it's essence as I did this time.

Maybe Florida doesn't have any natural waterfalls, but it sure makes up for it with sunshine : - ) 

I truly hadn't even considered a B & W version, well not until I read your suggestion, but now it's something to ponder and maybe experiment with.

 

Kind Regards 

 

Alf 

 

JACQUELINE 

 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and most encouraging comments!

I have passed this place on previous occasions and never really been taken with the scene, but this time it just seemed to reach out to me.

To get the perspective I stood the tripod in the flow of the water and then leaned over to look through the view finder and zoomed in and out to compose the image. 

Its most gratifying to read your reactions and I'm truly honoured that you consider this a favourite! 

Warm Regards

 

Alf 

 

ADRIENNE 

 

I have always struggled with waterfalls and even rivers seem to challenge me to some degree too. I am never happy unless they look right and they seldom seem to capture the movement of water and a natural look at the same time. This time I seem to have got lucky.

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words! 

Regards 

Alf 

 

JIM 

 

It's most gratifying to read that you have described what I was trying to achieve in it's entirety so very well! 

It's difficult to get that definition of water just right. That is movement without turning the water to a white mushy mass.  I used a 6 stop filter and then changed apertures in order to get the right shutter speed. 

A "fishing bear" in the frame would have been a real surprise as we don't have any in the UK : - ) And if I had seen one I don't think I would have stuck around to photograph it! 

Sincere Thanks Jim! 

 

Alf 

 

GARY 

 

Thank you so much for looking in and for your kind words! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

BILL 

 

I was most fortunate that I only had to walk for about 30 minutes to reach this spot, but it was all up a steep incline. I was restricted to the amount of time I had due to work commitments and found this little beauty quite quickly.  I took a few more of the falls and the rocks before I had to head back.

Many Thanks for your kind words Bill, much appreciated! 

Alf 

 

HARRY 

 

Always good to hear from you! 

I have been meaning to get back in touch with you, but due to circumstances it's been impossible to get a few minutes to talk. I will try and catch up with you this weekend! 

Many Thanks for your positive feedback and kind words, much appreciated! 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

NEIL 

 

I know just what you mean, "what's around that corner or over that hill"  I grew up with that kind of wanderlust and it has never left me. Consequently, sometimes I find I have walked too far, but seldom regret it.  You would love this place Neil! 

Thank you so much, for your thoughtful feedback, much appreciated! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

ROSS 

 

The wild rugged terrain of the Snowdonia National Park is amongst the best in the world for it's picturesque qualities and I never tire of it. I wish you could see it in person! But the best I can do is post an image that just gives you a glimpse now and again. 

Thanks for your thoughtful feedback Ross!

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

 

PIERRE 

 

"Perfection" I wonder is that is possible to see within ones own work, I always find something to frown at when viewing my own work, a rock that isn't to my liking, a blade of grass that is out of place, or maybe a cloud that should be more evenly spaced. 

But I have to say it's very good to read when other well respected photographers find it perfect! 

 

Sincere Thanks & Best Regards Pierre! 

 

Alf 

 

TONY 

 

Many Thanks !

 

Alf 

 

BILL S 

 

Thank you  so much!

I think it's the movement in the water that is the key, in order to achieve it I used a 6 stop ND filter and just changed apertures to alter the shutter speed until I got the desired effect. 

 

Cheers Bill! 

 

Alf 

 

RUUD 

 

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words! 

 

Alf 

 

DIMITRIS 

 

Sincere Thanks for your interest and thoughtful feedback! 

It is most gratifying to read from such an experienced and well respected photographer that I am developing a style! 

I did have my trusty neoprene wellies on : - )  But I didn't dare wade into this stream, there were holes some 3 - ft deep and the force of the water where I was standing was quite considerable, so I just placed the tripod legs in the water and leaned across to take the shot! 

 

Warm Regards 

 

Alf 

 

FRANCESCO 

 

I always think the success of an image can be gauged on how it makes people feel, and when I get feedback to say " I can feel the place as if I was there" then I know I have done something right. 

Sincere Thanks for your most encouraging words! 

 

Regards 

 

Alf 

 

TIBI 

 

We need to exchange some elements, 2 buckets of sunshine for a barrel of rain! 

I'm so very pleased it brought you some viewing pleasure! 

 

Thank You & Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

JEFF 

 

Yes indeed my trusty tripod was utilised for this one, the 6 stop ND filter delayed the shutter just enough and I just changed the aperture to fine tune it. 

Sincere Thanks! 

 

Alf 

 

MIKE 

 

For a refreshing change I didn't get wet either! : - )  It hasn't rained now for at least a week Yippee!  The ground was still soaking though, these places seem to hold the water like enormous sponges! 

Thanks Mike! 

Alf 

 

DAVE 

 

These places change so much and so quickly,  a few short weeks ago the raging torrent that was here didn't look anywhere near as photogenic as the scene when I took this shot.

Sincere Thanks Dave! 

 

Alf 

 

DOMINICK 

 

So very good to read that this one captured imagination Dominick! 

Thank you so much! 

 

Alf 

 

LARRY 

 

I am blown away by the comments I have received from you and the other well respected photographers that have posted here.

I had to wait a very long time to get a waterfall shot that was to my liking, but it seems it was well worth the wait!

 

My Sincere Thanks!

 

 

Alf 

 

JUHA 

 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback and kind words!

I love this rugged harsh environment, and its great to read that others d too.

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

PATSY 

 

Thank You so much for your continued support and kind words, much appreciated! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

PATRICK 

 

Yes, one of my friends remarked it was like a window that could be stepped into, and its interesting to read you concur.

Thank you so much for your interest and positive feedback Patrick, much appreciated! 

 

Alf 

 

JACK

 

I always get the impression you are a city dweller, so it is such a nice surprise when I read how much empathy and understanding you have of the environment when viewing an image like this. You are spot on, the water comes from a lake formed by a glacier during the last ice age.

On reflection, I wa

Alf

I opened this image and I can believed the eyes what splendor can be seen.From the bottom with low point of view you had the eyes are lead to a so nice pleasantly landscape,almost can touch the rocks here and feel the water,looks so real,incredible.I am glad you uploaded a large view to be seen that offers so many details,nothing more to say about this than admire and compliment you.

Definitely another one that you should submit as a calendar shot Alf. 

In large view t keeps the eye busy exploring the whole  seen.

Nice work!

 

It is a magnificent area, and one that springs surprises even after visiting it on several occasions.   Different views and compositions change with the light and the seasons so much that I never tire of it's beauty! 

Thank you so much for your interest and most complimentary feedback! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

STEVE 

 

I suppose I even have enough material to make my own calendar, but although I really enjoy being out there, taking the shots and creating the photographs, after that I become rather lazy and don't want to do much of anything with them : - )

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and kind words! 

 

Alf 

 

I am sorry I am late for this one Alf. You must have had quite a climb to get to this location!! But your efforts were well worth it!! The colours and textures in the rocks, grasses and lichen, are an excellent contrast to the softness of the water. I am happy that you did not make it too soft. I love the see the power of water as well. Breathtaking and I imagine this trek was a 'great escape' from your workload!!!

hope things have slowed down a bit for you....not long before the 'Sony' results????? :) Gail

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words! 

This is a wild and beautiful place, and I can't help but look at this and wish I was there right now! 

I can't even begin to tell you how bad the workload is right now, I scarcely get time for a sandwich, and it's 11 -12 hours a day and working weekends too! 

I didn't win the SONY competition, but as a runner up my work will be on show at the exhibition in London and I console myself with the thought that I didn't do too badly out of 139,000 entries : - )  Ahhh well always next year!

 We must have crossed paths on line as I just finished commenting on your image "Another World" 

Have a good week Gail! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

 

What a superb shot!  I'm amazed at the incredible depth you achieved here.  To me, one sign of a successful image is if the viewer can feel like they are at the scene.  Well, in this image I feel like I'm standing on a rock and could almost walk into the scene (though I guess I'd be walking into the water).  :-)  Fantastic work!

 

Wow! what a heart-warming comment, I really couldn't have asked for a better response!  

I am truly delighted that this image evokes such feeling and sense of reality for that is what I aim for. 

And errm yeah, you would get wet feet, or maybe even wet legs, the water was about 3 ft deep just to the right of where I was standing, I know that because I had 2 legs of the tripod in the water and I had to lean over the water to take the shot : - ) 

 

Sincere Thanks & Best Regards 

 

Alf 

Total beauty!!

Alf, I just added this one to my "Favorites" to serve as a reminder and inspiration.  More words won't help.  Thanks,

Dana

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

 

DANA 

 

Sincere thanks for your most generous comments, I am very honoured you chose this as a favourite! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

I leave for a while but it is nice to see that some things don't change. Beautiful photograph Alf.

Now for the question...Is there some layering done on that sky.

 

Fantastic shot Alf 5 out of 5

 

Joe

Espectacular, una composición y exposición excelente.

Great to see you back!  I hope you will be posting some of your work! 

 

No layering just a simple pull down ND grad filter used in Lightroom to what was an otherwise bland looking sky. 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback, much appreciated! 

 

Best Regards

 

Alf 

 

TOLO 

 

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words! 

 

Best Regards 

 

Alf