"Softly Flowing"

My previous post of this location was a vertical. I always try to get both orientations. Rock Creek is an amazing area in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. I had already hiked into the Little Lakes Valley and I was returning to my car to head back to the campground. I had witnessed an amazing sunset overhead, but was not in position to capture it (I would later see an image of the same sunset from the Owens Valley by Kahlee Brighton and it was amazing). I was exhausted and only really wanted to get back to camp, but the stream was calling. After shooting several verticals of 30 seconds and longer, the light was waning and so was I. Still, I had to try the horizontal. Two exposures, one at 30 seconds to record the brighter sky, and then another at 57 seconds and ISO 400 to record the stream and trees. I avoid anything over ISO 100 like the plague for landscapes, but I just didn't have the time or energy to wait out a 4 or 5 minute exposure. As expected, the result was noisy by comparison, but it would have to do. I mitigated as much as I could, but the resulting file does not have the integrity of those at 100 ISO. I have already made a 24" X 36" print of the vertical with amazing clarity. The horizontal, however, will probably only hold up to a 16 X 20 if that. At least it looks fine on the screen. Thanks for your assessments. The Larger preview looks good, even with the extra noise!

I love this pictures

Hi Mark, lovely landscape photo. well done. great job. take care.

Mark,

   Beautiful landscape image with amazing colors & details.  Take care, Patsy

Thank you Marco, Paul and Patsy! I appreciate the kind words!

Mark...  Being somewhat short memoryied (is that even a word), I had to go back and look at the vertical version and I have to give this shot the nod.  Even though I typically prefer the landscape (ahem, as in landscapes) format, in this case I feel there's a much better flow to the water as a guide for the eye; leading well into the frame and adding excellent depth.  Anyway, all that to vote for this one.  Oh yeah, beautiful shot... Mike

Awesome photo Mark.  I had a hard time deciding which version I liked better, but I think I prefer this one.  The colors in the sky and water look outstanding and I love that silky look of the water.  Great job with the blend, and thanks for explaining how you created this photo. 

Excellent work Mark! Superb shadow detail, despite the ISO400 noise, and lovely subtle colors. This one gets the nod from me as well. Superb work!

All the best,
Neil

Mark - The horizontal really works for me.  The river flower works nicely through the frame.  I think the colors also set this one apart.  When taking similar shots in dim conditions, I often get a magenta or red (depending on the sky color) cast in the green foliage which then becomes a muddy mix.  You have managed to retain ta hint of the sky color on the rocks and water, yet not have those colors mudy the surrounding foliage.  It just pops!  Also, to see the snow laden Sierra peeking through the notch tops off the composition.  SOmeday hope to get to those Sierras!

Regards, Harry

Thanks Mike, Scott, Neil and Harry for your votes. It pains me somewhat, however, because this version looks like hell at 100% view. Still, It probably would make a decent 16X20 print. I have another vertical version that has all the color of this one, but also has great noise free detail. I may post that one later, but I hate to flood the critique forum with near identical images. At the same time, that's one reason for me having this subscription. I appreciate you guys chiming in to help me in the editing process!