big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Two shots of Albion Falls in the Hamilton Ontario Canada region. Shot 1 is a composite with layer mask to get rid of tourists. After waiting for 45 minutes I figured a clear shot would never happen. Shot 2, I waited 10 minutes and with only one small family and photog doing "We were there" snaps I figured I might be in luck. After he took 10-15 shots he decided that maybe they should move onto another rock. OK, people coming down the path so I hollered out and asked if I could have the scene for just 1 minute. The photog gratefully acknowledged and slipped off to the side. The 2 women and 1 man just stood there. I had to use several double handed "move your ass out of the way" motions before they caught on. Now it was a timing issue with the new crowd approaching the bottom of the trail and these three previously very nimble climbers but now acting like 90 year olds climbing off the 2' high rock. I managed to get 3 - 2 second shots in before the new crowd pounced on the scene.

Oops, quite the long tale, sorry 'bout that chief. My question... which shot do you prefer or does it make a difference? TIA for your response.

2 shot layer mask

(Download)

1 shot different angle

(Download)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Great story ! - I do not think it matters ........the broken rocks at the bottom - IMO- do not have any positive artistic connection to the waterfalls. But GOOD PPing anyway !

My concept of most waterfalls is a vertical portrait orientation ( instead of horizontal/landscape) showing the pool of water at the bottom in a close foreground - after all, it is mostly about the WATER.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I much prefer the composition of the first.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Peter, the two images seem pretty much identical. Small composition differences re less unecessary foreground on #2 and band of dark rock at the base of the fall looks a bit darker on #2. But both are quite good. Perhaps 5x7 test prints viewed via a loupe might suggest the best candidate for enlargement. A matter of personal taste.

cmc65

I personally like the view of the falls in the first shot however not the boulders in the foreground. I would crop the bulk of that out. The first shot also shows he smaller series of falls on the lower left mor clearly.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Thanks for the quick responses. A vertical orientation would not help this scene unless you like a lot of sky or more rocks at the base. As to the pool of water at the bottom.... well it doesn't exist. Very little volume coming down and it simply keeps on trucking with no ponding at the bottom. The deepest I could see was about 3-4 inches. While rocks at the bottom do not traditionally display well with a waterfall that was very much a part of this falls. Everyone, young and old, could easily walk across the rock strewn creek but I do appreciate the comments.

Dan O Loc: Shrewsbury, Pa

i like the first shot. Much sharper on falls's left side.

Don L G

I like #2 the rocks add more interest but that may be just me. LOL

Don

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

This is my biggest problem, I like both.
Maybe eliminate some of the bottom of the foreground in the first to make it less busy?
I like the angle on the second. If I had to pick one, it would be the second.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Big guy, I prefer shot no. 1. More pleasing perspective. Both are good.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good Big-Guy, I prefer #1.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

I prefer the second shot. The sloping rock in the lower left corner provides balance the first shot does not.
In a shot like this, the presence of people can add to the photo and provide a sense of scale.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Good observation regarding the rock. As to the people in the shot, as far as this one goes, I would disagree but do agree with the premise. Maybe a nude would have helped but then it would be in the wrong section. Thanks for viewing.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Wow, what a story! You sure went through enough to get these photos, Peter, and I like both of them..can't really choose!