"Up Paradise's Creek"

This is very similar to a post from last year at this time. The difference is primarily the composition. My friend Chris Harris pointed out from the first post that the bow of the canoe was almost intersecting with the shoreline because I chose a lower perspective. The proximity of the bow with the shoreline was a little uncomfortable appearing, so I have finally gone back to pull out another perspective from a higher camera position. This is a remote location of the gulf coast shoreline within the Everglades National Park, about 10 miles northwest of Flamingo. When the bugs aren't biting, this is like paradise. When they are, however, it is still pretty close, just harder to enjoy. BTW, they bite almost year round! Please consider the Larger preview while offering your opinions.

Thanks for your observations!! Please view Larger.

This is a fabulous shot. Just to pretend to have something useful to say, it is a pitty there isn't something interesting in the bottom right corner. Very well done.

excellent. this is so cool. everything about this image is stunning. congrats.

Thanks Robert and Mark. My friend and I were shooting the sunset from about a 1/4 mile further down the beach when I spotted these two palms. We began a sprint to work the trees into our images when we stumbled onto this canoe. At first I was working around the canoe trying to exclude it. It suddenly occurred to me that it made a terrific counter point when positioned in the lower left, trees in the upper right. Very serendipitous!!

This is a well composed image, taken at the right time of the day for the shot creating a mood appropriate for the scene, it is well exposed with good detail, well done 6/6

Talk about heavenly!! What an amazing place!! Love the colors here and your serendipitous inclusion of trees....love the excellent details here... the trees and the canoe are just adding so much to this shot!! regards, Rajeev.

Hi Mark, very good one, one question if you don't mind;

any processing to the land part which canoe stands or just the polarizer you used?

Thanks Richard, Rajeev and Uzay. Uzay, since I shoot in RAW, all files must be processed. In other words, the RAW image files lack contrast, saturation and sharpening when right out of the camera. Therefore, I have a workflow that incorporates the process of bringing the image to a point that conveys how the scene looked at capture. At one time I used Velvia film when I shot with film cameras. As part of my workflow, I have some techniques that duplicate that "Velvia" look. The other technique I use in most of my individual workflows is to blend multiple exposures to extend the dynamic range. What this means is the scene, at time of capture, had a range of light that could not be captured with a single exposure. I simply exposed first for the foreground portion of the scene, then without moving the camera, exposed for the brightest part of the sky. After some initial processing, I combined the two exposures in Photoshop. After some more processing, WaLa!! The result is a reproduction of the scene that more closely resembles how the scene appeared to my eyes, not just how the camera recorded the scene. Thanks for inquiring!

Mark,

 

A stunning shot. Love the colors. Regards, Patsy

This is simply awesome! Truly one of your very best! I agree with you; this composition is not only much stronger, but quite elegant. This photograph just reeks Florida! I honestly do not believe that you could have assembled, or placed, the primary elements here any better. The shells and beach clutter in the FG front and right are just the perfect amount of 'mess' (if that makes a lick of sense). The processing is only matched by the composition. Sterling work, Mark; and as I said, I do believe that this is one of your very best. Just outstanding in all respects, Mark! To "My Favorites" this goes. Cheers! Chris

Absolutely amazing. I'm glad that people are taking better pictures than I am. Congrats

Mark... The previous version was beyond excellent so I can't come up with anything on this one but... perfect. An image with stories to tell, imaginations to satisfy, and a visual treat to boot. I think I even see Friday's footprints.... Mike

 

 

Your decision to leave the canoe really makes this a standout image! The colors are so beautiful and there is so much to see here.....the coarseness of the sand combined with the idyllic glassy smooth surface of the water play off of each other really well. A wonderful image that evokes a feeling of wanting to be there!

Thank you Chris, Harry, Mike and Christal! Yes Chris, the "Mess" you mention makes sense. There is beach debris here that does not detract from it's pristine quality. Shells and vines and seaweed are the mess you find on many a beach, so I understand your point. This series of beaches along the gulf coast are wonderful. While there are some footprints, there really aren't alot of visitors because the only way to get here is by boat. So Mike, I think those prints could possibly belong to Friday.

Excellent tones and balance Mark. And the colours are indeed reminisant of Velvia.

Nice and sharp too!

Nice work

Regards

Fergus

Great find composition and time of day for this image.  Kudos, rek.