Creek

Large view preferred. Minnehaha Creek meanders through over ten

miles in Minneapolis and its suburbs. Here in the middle of a

residential neighborhood one might forget the traffic flowing nearby.

The next image is the B&W version. I'd appreciate your comments

and preference of either the color or B&W version. Thanks. Larry

This is a beautifully serene image, Larry. I particularly like the lighting in the trees—keeping the trunks as silhouettes like this establishes them beautifully as structural elements that guide my gaze on down the stream, and your composition supports that very nicely—that dominant arching tree very effectively frames the scene. The dark trunks also set off the glowing foliage really well. I find the broken lighting in forests to be difficult to capture because of the strong contrasts, but this image catches that lighting perfectly. I think if there were one thing I might suggest experimenting with it’d be to try cropping the top slightly so that the arching tree doesn’t meet the right-bank tree exactly at the top of the frame, but that’s a minor issue, and cropping in would lose the graceful arch on the background tree on the left—probably not worth it. Anyway, it’s a beautiful image, and I caught myself gazing into it and daydreaming about wading down summer creeks. Nice. Now, on to the B&W version…

How about that review by Leslie, pretty cool huh?

I think I slightly prefer this over the monochrome, though both are very fine. I like the effect of light at the end of the tunnel.  In past years, walked, biked and canoed along parts of this. A very pretty image.

Leslie, What a terrific critique!  Many thanks for your thoughtful, information packed, and most impressive review of this image.  You have got it when it comes to analyzing composition and seeing images effectively.  I really appreciate your analysis and your time.  This goes for your review of the B&W version too.   Larry

Tony,  Thanks for your visit.  Yes, Leslie has said it all.  Larry

Sandy,  Thanks for weighing in on this image for me.  It's a toss-up for me, but I kind of favor the B&W as well.  I captured this while on a walk with a group, learning about the history and highlights of the surrounding neighborhood called Tangletown.  It is taken hand held since a tripod, was not feasible. Do you live in the Twin Cities now?  Many thanks, for your visit and comments, Sandy.  Larry

Larry, have not lived in Minnesota for a good many years, in Montana now, with no regrets, but quite a lot of good memories from MSP.

I have done a crop which is a very personal thing and, as a consequence, it was based on the elements I liked most about the mage.

Sandy,  Yes, I can see why you like Montana.  I like its big open spaces and the mountains.  Thanks for the visit.  Larry

Tony,  I like the more rectilinear crop from the foreground.  The water in the foreground does not add to the image.  Thanks.  Larry

I can see the beauty of the crop, but I think I still favor the original for two reasons. First, the rougher water, cooler hues, and sparkly highlights in the foreground water help give a sense of motion into the frame; I think that enhances the feeling of serenity by giving us a contrasting place to start from, and strengthens the "light at the end of the tunnel" center of interest because of that contrast. Second, inclusion of the base of the arching tree, the bank, and the reflection of the tree's trunk directly connects the tree to the creek, making the tree a more integral part of the overall scene. But both interpretations are beautiful in their own ways. 

Larry, I agree with Tony, for the same reasons -- pathway, end of the tunnel, but with a suggestion of something beyond. Sandy

Leslie and Sandy,   Thanks for the dialog I appreciate your views I will try Tony's crop on a duplicate; nondestructive, so the original is in tact.  I really appreciate your time and input.  Larry

Perhaps not as "art," Larry, but I love to see and almost feel the fullness of streams right below my feet.  I like both B&W and color on this one.

--Lannie