Taken Christmas Eve in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Temperature in the teens (F) I could have taken pictures in this environment all day!
My second post. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

Scott

I like this picture... the rocks in the foreground are nice and clear, and the slow shutter speed makes the white water look like mist flowing through them. The trees don't add much for me, I'd try cropping just above the top of the stream to get rid of the distraction, but that's just me.

This almost looks like it's two different pictures collaged into one. The trees are almost black and white but the stream has color. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a little more dramatic if you were to slightly darken the trees to add a little more emphasis to the water- which is very pretty.

I think I feel the same as what already has been said. i love the foreground here and the lighting a slow shutter effect is great. I wish the ice covered trees were adding to this great scene, but somehow they are not. don't know why other than maybe they were shaded and therefore not standing out and glistening like i would want to see. I still like this shot for the great things about it, just feel that it does not meet up to its potential. Do you have any more from that area and day? would like to see more of this great place at that time.

Just popping for a moment to say that I love this image. The trees are fine with me and the movement of the water is wonderful. It tells me the day was cold, but the creek was not frozen. It makes me want to be out there enjoying a crisp cool day in the woods.

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

chuckmoser............Yes about 75% of the shots that day had the black & white look to them, especially in the higher elevations where the ice was.
I've attached an additional shot with more focus on the frosty trees.

gary.............see reply above to "chuckmoser". I was sort of torn between putting the emphasis on the water or the trees. I've attached one with more of the focus on the trees.
And I'll be posting another later from the same day!

thanks,

Scott

Taken Christmas Eve in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Temperature in the teens (F) I could have taken pictures in this environment all day!
My second post. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!

Scott

Scott,

I think that this is a very nice picture for all the reasons already mentionned. As for the trees, i rather like them. Somehow, my opinion may be tinted as I just love winter (I am a skier...) but frozen trees always appeal to me. Now I think that the trees would have more impact if they were more defined (more dof) and/or if the sun happened to shine on them but still, I like the scene as it is.

Your second picture is very appealing too. I like how you framed it.

Seb

Dear Scott,

Your second picture is the better of the two I think. Except for the twig in the foreground :D , it is very nice. The first picture could perhaps be remedied by cropping the trees and emphasizing the stream. Very nice pictures.

Dzerzhinski

Thanks Seb & Dzerzhinski
Seb, I love winter also! I've attached my final picture from that day of walking along the stream in the Smoky Mountains!
Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed that day!

thanks,

Scott

I love the first shot posted.. the trees add a surreal element to the whole picture, its almost mystical. Beautifull shot and would love to see it in greater detail!

I love all these photos and agree with some of the criticisms and cannot add much more. Would like to see these taken in the spring/summer.

I think you captured the water perfectly in all the shots, what speed did you use?

Thanks Roger.
This park is the most visited in the U.S. Around 9 million a year.
In the summer months, this particular part of the park is really congested with traffic.
I do agree though, some fall color would look good in this shot.
As for the settings: ISO 100 and I do remember leaving the shutter open for 3 seconds @ f 11

thanks,

Scott

Scott-
I really like the second shot that you posted. The color and detail on the trees really bring me into the picture. My one nitpick would be that pesky twig in the lower right corner, it really distracts my attention. All three pictures are really good, although the third seems to have boring colors. Someone with PS knowledge should be able to help with that tho. :)
All the pictures I have seen so far really make me miss Tennessee, especially the shots you had earlier of Knoxville.

Rocky Top you'll always be, home sweet home to me, good ol Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee.

Excellen series, makes me wish i was there. Thanks for sharing.
Bobby

PlantedTao.............Glad I could bring you back to Knoxville.

Bobby..........Thanks for the comments on the series.

Scott

Great job Scott,

We have got to plan another photo shoot in the mountains! How about a hike with the cameras in March?

Dudley

Sounds like a plan to me Eagle_Eye. Looking forward to it!

Scott