I tried something different, but I'm not sure that it works. I would love to hear what others have to say - don't be shy :p

PC

http://gallery.photographyreview.com/data/photography//500/iMG_0356b_x800.jpg

Here's the more "conventional" view.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2251196211_ce52066caf_o.jpg

I don't think that the reflection works by itself and of the two the second image works far better for me, it is a stunning scene and you have captured it very sharply.

I agree that the second one is much better, actually quite beautiful. The first one might work better if you could find a vantage point where both the mountain and it's reflection are in frame. The first one also doesn't seem sharp enough to me.

Nice work PC. Either shot is professional quality for certain. These could easily go in a magazine or calander. I am sure prints would be splendid.

The second one really stands out for me. I would like to see the top of the second cropped just a bit (to take out that branch at the top center.) I find my eye gets drawn to that top center point at the branch, but I so want it to stay with Half-Dome.

Regardless, both fantastic pictures, and the last one, bordering on super-fantastic.

I also like the second one best! I think if the bottom of the first one was cropped off about a half inch just below where the white section of bank and water on the right are it would be better. By doing this the bridge becomes the focal point and not the reflection of the mountain in the water, Jeff

I prefer the first image as it is different from the 'normal' view of this scene. As it is framed it give no hint of the Dome other than in the reflection below the footbridge. That makes it a stronger photograph as it is unexepected, but still eye catching.

The second photo I believe has too much of the creek which does not contribute to the overall composition and there are stray reflections in the water that are not clearly defined and thus detract from the totality of the image.

Both are clear and sharp.
I like the first because of its uniqueness. I would crop the top to just above that diagonal snow covered limb.
I'd give a try at cloning some of the creek in the second and clone out the stray branch in the top middle.

Thanks for all the nice comments - a very pleasant surprise. I have another shot that includes both half dome and it's reflection, but there was a large tree to my immediate left (which is where the branches come from) and it really intrudes when I zoom out. Since I was standing in snow at the very edge of the river, if I had moved right to avoid the tree I would have been quite wet (and cold!). I think I will try to remove the stray branches from the top left anyway because I don't think they help any.

I also tried stitching these two together and it makes for an interesting vertical panorama type shot.

Thanks again for the great comments and encouragement.

PC

The first image is interesting, but I really prefer tha classic composition of the 2nd. If you wanted to use the second image I would consider adding it next to the first in a Diptych for some presentations.
Excellent shots but that 2nd one is really very good.

I too like the second one, very nicely captured. Yes, you are right, it's been done before, but who cares, it's still very well done. There are only so many grand landscapes in familiar places that are left to be captured in truly unique ways.

Gary & EOSThree - Thank you for commenting. I hadn't thought too much about a diptych but that's an interesting idea.

PC

If both photos where taken at the same focal length have you thought to try stitching them together to make a vertical panorama?

freygr - they were indeed shot at the same focal length and I have already done the stitching, but I haven't had time to do much else with it. I like it, but I'm not sure about the concept of a vertical panorama. Maybe I can print it and hang it on a door or something :D

PC

PC - I think I would have captured the mountain in the water, so that almost none of the 'real' mountain is in the photo. Then I would have flipped it and seen if the viewer could figure it out.

Not to be hijacking your thread, but case in point: the upper part of the image on this one is actually the reflection ~~~ (I think, anyway.. :confused: )

GB - I considered that as well, but ultimately decided to go with what I posted. I have a shot of a ride that I took at Disneyland which is only the reflection and it certainly makes for an unusual shot.

Thanks again,

PC