"The Mighty Merced"

Another iconic location along the Merced River, but I just had to add this to my portfolio. The Merced River has swollen to almost historic proportions because of the heavier than usual snowfall. Watching the speed of the flow was awe inspiring. A half second exposure gave me plenty of movement while still keeping some desired detail. This log is gargantuan, so much so that the water is easily 2 feet higher just to the other side of it, yet it remains unmoved. I can only imagine the weight and force against this log and wondered how fast I could move back if it began to dislodge from the river's fury. The soft, early light on this day was unbeatable. Please consider the Larger preview when viewing!

Beautiful colours and composition. Great work.

Great photograpy.

Mark, I admire how you did place the compositional elements here. Especially the harmony between the flowing water and the texture of the trunk in the foreground and then the vertical lines of the trees on the background...

Exceptional. I love the treatment. The river really looks as if it would sweep you away and this adds to the feeling of wildness in the valley.

Thank you Raymond, Okan, Kani and Bill! Kani, there was another photographer there when I shot this, but she excluded the log. As you suggest, the log was an integral component. Bill, my intention was to capture the river's swiftness. Your comment validates my effort!!

Hi Mark... I like this shot a lot!  Typically flawless presentation.  I wonder if a step or two to the left might have exposed a bit more of Bridalveil although that would have put the projecting branch in an unfortunate centered location. BTW, there is a spot of sensor dust in the upper left.

I was also in Yosemite last week and didn't have any clouds to speak of but enjoyed the high water and the dogwood bloom.  I've never seen so many people running around with tripods in my life!

Sublime!  And I know precisely where this cedar log is, and you've used it to profound advantage in this image!  Excellent photograph!  Cheers!  Chris

Fabulous image Mark! Fabulous light, flawless exposure, and superb composition. Congratulations on a first class shot guy!

All the best,
Neil

Thanks Dave, Chris and Neil! Dave, I considered trying to get more of Bridalveil, but nothing worked when including the log and I was compelled to include this beauty as a complement to the fast moving river. Yep, a little sensor dust that slipped by. I do appreciate the comment from you guys!!

Mark,  glad you got to the Valley because you came away with some fantastic captures!  See this one is ranked #1 for the past three days and well deserved...Lefty

stunning foreground and textures. a masterpiece!

Admirable composition,perspective, exposure & colors. Mark, you deserve the highest rating.

I like photo!! fine work!!

I like your image due to several things one is the old trunk at the bottom,it looks hold the river and the image in general,other topic will be the water appearance,giving a touch of dynamism about the landscape.I like overall for it is  fresh Yosemite image...And I'imagine the same image under the first  sun rays in the Autumn.Best regards

Absolutely spectacular!!

Cheers,
Drew