Weekly Theme: Ice cascade

[Nancy Bell]

Another local hike I frequently take is to a small waterfalls. I like to see how it changes during the seasons. Here it is partially frozen.

From the macro forum I learned to take the clarity slider in ACR to 100% for ice images. It seems to bring up the lines captured inside the ice. Then I applied a 60% layer of Topaz Clean, stylize details to further emphasize those lines.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Very cool Nancy, I almost thought you had used Fractalius. The formations in the ice are really enhanced by the clarity slider.

[Cheryl Slechta]

This is very cool, Nancy. I'll have to try the Clarity slider hint on some ice shots I've got. I love the dark background - it reminds me of peacock feathers for some reason.

[Dennis Bishop]

What a surprise (no hint from the thumbnail). In addition to those lines, the lights and darks are real attention-getters.

Thanks for passing on the tip about the slider. I'm going to have to try this, too. Using a long exposure and not sharpening the water would give a good texture contrast. I can't wait.

[Anita Bower]

I really like the look of the ice, especially along the upper branch. Interesting patterns. Convincingly looks like ice. I would cut off the bottom half of the image, leaving only the upper branch and the ice attached to it. I'd also lighten the very dark areas of the branch. I think this crop would be more powerful.

[Nancy Bell]

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. I'm going to look again at some of my other images from this series and see what I have in light of your comments. Good to have "other eyes"!

[gary ellwein]

Nancy, I particularly like the ice on the log. Thanks for the ACR clarity slider tip. I find the rushing water to be a bit heavy; especially that in the left lower quadrant.

[Diane Miller]

Cool -- well, no -- more like COLD.

I like the added texture. I use Clarity a lot and then often go into Nik's Viveza just to use the Structure slider. But look at the result at 100% -- it really brings out noise.

[Judy Howle]

I love your technique, it brings out so much detail and is very appealing. I like it as is but I tried a browser crop as Anita suggested and really liked that too.