My scanner stinks, but here's a pic anyway

[Outdoorsman]

I aplogize for the quality- my scanner has got to be the worst one ever. I can't get rid of the funny reddish line in the middle- it's not on the slide. My question on this shot is the composition. I couldn't move right or left because of trees and bushes, but should I maybe have taken in a little less of the scene? Thanks!

[Charles Hess]

The composition is excellent, the scan not really looking bad except for the red line, which can be eliminated with some image editing software. The cotton candy look to the water always creates a nice effect. I think something else needs to be in the frame...a person, perhaps, to give us a sense of size to these nice falls. Next image, post larger if you can so we can apprecaite your image more.

[Outdoorsman]

Dear Outdoorsman:

This is a beautiful photograph and I would be very proud if it were mine. Where did you shoot this and what kind of equipment did you use?

Best to You,
Penny

Wow. Thank you so much. No one has ever said anything like that about any of my pictures.
The location of this shot takes a little storytelling...
I live in far northwest California. I mean far. I could easily ride my bike to Oregon. In our lovely little county here we have the famous Smith and Klamath rivers, which boast some of the finest fishing in the country. The Smith is one of the last undammed rivers in California, and is also one of the cleanest in the country.
The Smith is closer to me, and of the three forks that make up this river, the South Fork is my favorite. It has only one road leading along it. This road goes into some of the most incredible protected wilderness one can imagine California having. Along the way you pass tiny little neighborhoods with no electricity and only cell and radio phones. At night you can see actual lanterns hanging in the houses.
Along South Fork Road there are many streams feeding into the river. This one has got to be my favorite. It has been a subject for me on many occasion in many seasons, and never ceases to please. I've shot as many streams along the river as I can physically make it to, and even some that I can't (let's just say I have a few extra lives). There are little fern grottos all over this area, most with little streams and moss-covered rocks and deep shade. You can really lose yourself. Anyway, this is a new angle I found on the old girl; it required some creative arboring (I didn't cut anything!) to clear the shot, but it worked.
I shot this with a Canon Elan 7N (w/ BP-300) and my ancient-but-still-alive 28-70 on Ektachrome 100 VS. The scan really doesn't do the slide justice...

[Chunk]

I aplogize for the quality- my scanner has got to be the worst one ever. I can't get rid of the funny reddish line in the middle- it's not on the slide. My question on this shot is the composition. I couldn't move right or left because of trees and bushes, but should I maybe have taken in a little less of the scene? Thanks!

I don't believe I've seen a better waterfall shot than this anywhere. Don't change a thing.

[Outdoorsman]

Such wonderful things you all have to say! I can't tell you how nice it is to finally hear praise for my work. I've long since quit showing people my pictures, since all I ever get are grunts and "Oh, that's nice. Now why don't you go paint the house and mow the lawn?" People around here (incuding my family) have very little art appreciation. The locals prefer to drink beer while driving at top speed in huge trucks, shooting animals and road signs along the way. I like to drink beer and drive fast and shoot guns, but the animals and road signs are out! Just kidding. ;)
Actually, you've all inspried me to go back today. I would like to get a little better angle on the scene. I replaced the old 28-70 lens with the Canon 28-105, and it is a much better lens. It's a nice overcast day (as usual) and I could really use the low light to make some nice long exposures. That, and I think the horizon is a little off level.
With the limited resources here, it will be a couple weeks before I get anything back, but I promise to post any good ones (or better ones). Thank you all!

[TheFru]

Don't feel bad...unless I take pix of my daughter I get the yeah ok that's neat speech too. Not from my hubbie, but from everyone else...they don't get it.

I think this is a wonderful scene. I really would like to see it larger. Red line? I don't think I saw it. Maybe I'm blocking it out because everything else is flows so well. I find myself meandering along the picture taking my time.