December

West Burton Fall

How I did it - I wanted the waterfall large in the frame and the smaller ripple of water at me feet.  Choosing a longer focal length (50mm f1.2L) fulfilled the first requirement but I could not fit everything in.  Using the tripod, I captured the top of the images. I then captured three further images, each time, tilting the camera down further.  Since the depth of field would have been impossible to set, I focused closer (checking in live view) for each image.  In Photoshop, the four images were layered into one document using Photo Merge then, manually masked to complete the “starter” image.  This was then processed in my usual way to create a final image that had all the elements I wanted, all in focus.

COMMENTS:
 

Marie Altenburg	Your photo is beautiful just as it is, Stephen ! I love the long exposure which gave the water a dreamy quality. And layering the images to keep everything in sharp focus is a technique I use far too seldom, myself. I appreciate the reminder by showing us an image that worked so well with that technique. On another note, I’m sure I’m not alone in stating that you’ll be missed in this group, Stephen, your how-to’s and your comments have been so helpful in helping the rest of us hone our own photographic skills. Stay well, my friend !
Brad Ashbrook	Very well done and your eye just moves it way up through the image.
Louis Duncan	Thanks for showing us many wonderful images including this one. Sometime you should prepare a weekend seminar about stitching images and making the otherwise impossible seem to be routine. I will be the first in line for the seminar.
Linda Sharp	Sorry you are leaving the group, I have only seen a couple of your images and they are delightful. This is no exception, slow water can produce mixed results but this is a super image. I particularly like the bottom third of the image – the ripples up to the small waterfall and the small waterfall itself are magical. All the best for the future.
Vicki Devico	Stephen, you are really going to be missed in this group. Your lovely images and thoughtful comments are something I look forward to each month. That said, this is a great final image! As always, your post processing of the merged image is perfect! I see nothing that detracts and everything you've done is a plus. Love the soft water, the smoothness of the tiny waterfall in front.
Carol McCreary	Beautiful flowing water scenic !! You will be missed in our group. Your constant complete thought process from seeing through photoshop has always amazed me. I am too much a PJ photographer and need to stop and think before I snap the photos. Thanks for sharing your photographer and photoshop expert knowledge with us. This image is wonderful with its beautiful details.

Member Bio

Stephen Byard - Biography    I’m Stephen Byard, early fifties, married, with a 6 year old daughter. I write web-based business solutions.  In the late 1960’s my Dad’s darkroom became the start in photography for me. By 1980 I had a Canon A1, dabbling away quietly for a number of years.  Having taken more interest in photography since using a d-SLR’s 4 years ago, I have won a prestigious National competition, and achieved other successes.    I concentrate on Landscape photography, relishing my time in the fresh air. I am also lucky to work “technically“ with Joe Cornish, one of today’s legendary landscape photographers, as well as teach a digital photography course at my camera club.    Luckily, having built my first computer 32    years ago, digital photography contains few technical issues for me, and I try to help others overcome theirs.