Kayaker + Orton

[caleb]

Don't know how to crop this, tried out the orton effect on this photo while reading about it and ended up liking it a lot more than the original since it brings out the mid-air splashes a lot more. Thoughts on cropping and other critique?

[Frog]

I'd crop about a third of the top, eliminating the top kayaker and then some from the left which would put your subject in a good one third position from left.

[SmartWombat]

If you crop from the top, then the kayaker is at the left 1/3 and no need to crop more.
Remember they aren't real 1/3 but the golden ratio and so it's nearer the centre than you think.

I don't like the orton effect at the best of times, and on this photo it makes my head ache.
Nothing looks in focus, I doubt if in the original the kayaker at the bottom (I'm assuming that was the subject) was sharp because he's moving - looks sharpest in between the two kayaks next to the rock wall.

[Ron Kruger]

I'd crop it vertically, with the top kayaker just right of center and the bottom kayaker just left of center. The problem is you didn't have enough light to give you fast enough shutter speed for this shot, so it is fuzzy, and when you crop it, it will get even fuzzier. (Is fuzzier a work?)

[GB1]

caleb - Interesting shot. I like the Orton effect, though it is subtle. I agree that it could use a crop. There's just nothing in the upper right area that needs to stay. I like the main kayaker and the fellow behind him is OK too, though a bit dark and contrasty. Try lighting it up a bit, the density seems off. Good job overall.
G

[Shebang]

I'm so new to photography I had never heard of the Orton effect, so I Googled -- very cool -- thanks for the intro! I love "artsy" photography.

For me, however, the Oe doesn't work for this particular shot. Maybe it is because I am so new and I am struggling to learn my equipment and get sharp focus

I would like to see your original picture before the Oe with a fast shutter, frozen water and a sharp face on the front kayaker.

I got to do this once (sorta -- raft not kayak) so this picture brought a smile!

[caleb]

I would like to see your original picture before the Oe with a fast shutter, frozen water and a sharp face on the front kayaker.

well, that's the problem I suppose. I went to these falls just for the landscape at sunset and saw a group of kayakers. At this point while shooting, it was just too dark even with my ISO cranked up. So the original is sharper for the still areas (top kayaker, rock) but everything else is still blurry. The only "good" thing about the OE vs. keeping it as is is that the water splashing has more contrast against the moving water in the river. Otherwise I really think it's a throwaway. I'll try some cropping and post it up here. The little bit I tried before posting was kind of blah. I'll also try lightening it.

Thanks for the feedback, sorry for the headache, smartwombat

[Shebang]

I'm having more problems than you even with my tripod and stationary subject!! Good effort especially considering your hurdles. Arrrgggghh...