kenievans Loc: Dallas

My friends and I went on another adventure this weekend. I think we are all suffering from mid-life crises. We went to a cable park. It is a water park in the middle of nowhere with wake boarding, giant water slides that throw you from 10 to 20 feet in the air, and a mile long lazy river. For those of you not familiar with cable parks, there is an electric cable system that is built around the small lake with tow ropes dropping down to the water. The skiers or wake boarders grab onto the tow ropes and and pulled around the lake by the cable system. There are various ramps and jumps around the course.

We rented a cabin on the "lake" and I had fun shooting the wake boarders doing their tricks, jumping and spinning. The little lake was very pretty with cat tails and an island in the middle inhabited by Lemurs but I digress. It was beautiful setting at dusk with just enough light to reflect off the water but I couldn't find an angle to get a picture without a least part of a ramp in the way. I finally decided that including this ramp would make the shot more interesting with all its angles and straight lines set against the natural background. I added penciling to emphasize the lines of the ramp and it had a cool effect on the rippling water as well.

I can't decide which version I like better. I would like to know which one you prefer and why or if neither one of them tickles your fancy. As always all comments are welcome.

P.S. The 30 something year old in our group was the only one to try the slide. The rest of us just floated the lazy river. None of us attempted wake boarding.

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artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I like #1, for the full effect of the landscape. #2 has too much focus on the thingie.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm with Bob. With #1 I say, "how curious and interesting is this sharp-angled white thing in this seemingly serene country setting?" With #2 it's more, "well that's just weird."

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I can get #1 to turn into #2 just by downloading it. I think much depends on how large you view the image.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I think this is one of those photo that works for you if you were there on location. Then the memories of what you did and who was there add to the significance of the photo. As a third party, I can recognize that it is a ramp of some sort, probably used to perform tricks; and I'm wondering were is the guy doing the tricks. Because it is obviously man made, I assume that is what you are focusing on rather than the surrounding trees and the lake itself. So, to me, it seems like an element is missing.

What you did with the effects, however, I find very interesting. I agree with you that it works well on the rippling water of the lake. I think it also work on the trees. I love that you are so excited about your camera and making images. Can't wait to see more.
Erich

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thanks Bob. I was thinking of you when I added the penciling.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I prefer you to wonder about it than think is weird. As a friend of mind used to say, it is better to keep you mouth shut and let people wonder if you are stupid than to open your mouth and prove it.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Yes R.G it was a crop of the same image but I wanted to know if emphasizing the ramp with the crop made it more effective. I guess not. Thanks for your input.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thanks for looking Erich. My wife thinks I am having too much fun but its her fault since she is the one that bought me the camera. Here is the link for the actual action shots of the guys jumping if you would like to see them.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-542708-1.html

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

First Trump, now my most revered and beloved Linda ... dare I disagree with her ... Oh my, my world is crumbling ... she likes #1 ! !

In my humble opinion, #2 crops to the story that is being told... the slide. The story is not trees, not water quality. OK while on the subject... Sky is washed out, ugh clone in a new one or dip the existing one in Easter-egg blue dye**. do a little clone in tops of trees if you have a useful photo. Clone out that blop floating in the water lower right.. adds nothing ... thus distracts.

** With Topaz Clarity, the green of the water could be desaturated masking the effect on the other greens. The sky suggests to me that there is definition there.. clouds or is it my dusty monitor... increase the contrast and blue saturation ... then sky will have character.

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Oh Linda.. kenievans did not mean this.. it as the Helsinki Syndrome when kenievans said:
"I prefer you to wonder about it than think is weird. As a friend of mind used to say, it is better to keep you mouth shut and let people wonder if you are stupid than to open your mouth and prove it."
Now kenievans is blaming the harsh statement on a friend... what next blame Hillery and the DNC?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

It all depends on what you want. If you want the scene, use the first one. If you want the whatever-it-is, go for the second. Personally, I think the scene is much more interesting.

Stephan G

I think that the above script should have been presented after we had the opportunity to view the shots. I usually view the shots before I read the info. Makes it easier to formulate reactions.

PS., I am still looking for those dadgum cables!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Dpullum thank you for your suggestions. I did work on the water color. It was originally the ugly color of watered down cement and there were no clouds. Perhaps a bit of dusting is in order.

As far as my comment to Linda it appears my attempt at sarcastic self deprecating humor has gone awry and is certainly not my view in your larger political context.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Here in FL the sky is too often a sick pale blue or gray... when there are clouds the wires mess up the billowing... but can be fixed.

Linda... I poke Linda from time to time [she knows with confidence that I admire her]... I did not take it wrong and prob Linda did not either.... Me, I enjoy a good poke in my ribs.. feel free... a good poke tickles and I smile... PolyTicks, yes we may as well joke vs crying...

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When I like a shot and it is a problem... then I go to my art program... Dynamic Autopainter and make a work of art ... sssss it covers up the problems

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Yes, #1.