Before the light - Bosque

Another pre-dawn scene from Bosque del Apache NWR. I rarely use my tripod, but the very cold mornings (20˚F) at Bosque are an exception. In fact, I use an RF remote system (Hahnel Giga T Pro II) to trigger the shutter so I don't have to touch the camera with my freezing fingers. I can stand behind the camera, set for live view, and have my hands warmly stowed in my armpits while I push the button.

Topaz DeNoise, Detail, and Adjust used on this one. I know it is tempting to suggest cropping from the bottom, but I think the strong reflections in the water of the foreground really add to the image and contribute to the sense of scale. What do you folks think?

I like this, including the bottom. There's no way I'd crop the bottom. However, instead of having such intense blacks, there, I'd be inclined to lighten them ever so slightly. I think I would crop from the top -- enough to bring the horizon to a divine proportions (as shown) or rule-of-thirds location. The top part of the sky has much less drama, and I like the panorama format for this scene.

I love the color of the sky, I would be tempted to crop (or clone in) so the black in the bottom right hand corner was gone, leaving only the reflective color. A bit from the top would work, also. Tough call....TFS

I love this as presented Kerry. The silhouettes of the two birds are such a nice touch.

I think I like the OP, Kerry. (Are you sure you weren't using a very long remote switch and sitting in a heated car:wave:)

I love the colors set off by the blacks. I completely agree that no crop off the bottom should occur. I like those lower reflections. Beautiful textures and shapes. I like both the OP and Dennis' version. For me, the birds are too small to add to the image and I would eliminate them. Beautifully captured. Braving the cold was worth it.

Hi kerry,,,I prefer the original crop....I also agree with either cropping or cloning the bottom right darkness. Also the bird is to small I would take it out!

Thank you all!